Australia vs India, 1st Test

It has been a good 4 days of Test cricket. We have enjoyed bringing the coverage. Do log into our live coverage of the 4th Day between South Africa and Sri Lanka today at 13:00 IST. As for the thunder down under, it shall continue on the third day of the new year. This is Siddharth Prabhakar, saying goodbye on the behalf of Ganesh, Srivathsa, Karthik and the scorer Sathyavelu. Happy New Year in advance.

M Clarke: As a team, we continue to improve. Full credit to the bowlers. India have a strong batting line-up and the bowlers did really well to restrict them. We have definite plans for every player. The tail contributed a few crucial runs. It's good to win the first Test, but we know that they will come back hard in the second Test.

MS Dhoni: We did not get to a very good start, but the bowlers brought us back into the game. We were 50 runs short in the first innings. Hussey batted really well, the lower order contributed in both knocks. Credit to the Australian bowling attack. We are known to be tentative starters and we shall be better in the next Test.

James Pattinson: It has been an unbelievable start to my career. To win the Boxing Day Test is a great feeling. The Victorian crowd is the best. Peter Siddle has been really good, running in hard and bowling so well. He has helped me a lot.

James Pattinson is the Man of the Match. He took 6/108 in the match and contributed 55 crucial runs. He managed to remain not out in both innings.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has always been a bogey as far as the Indians are concerned. Truth be told, the fight that they gave in this match can only be an indicator of better things to come as historically, India have improved in the later stages of an Australian tour. Stay tuned for the presentation.

Credit must be given to an Australian pace attack which doesn't include Ryan Harris, Pat Cummins and M Johnson. They have found a new star James Pattinson who has built on the superlative start to his Test career with 6 more wickets added to the tally. Although the bowling figures might not suggest it, Peter Siddle bowled with fiery hostility on his home ground and was probably the chief wrecker-in-chief as far as the mental make up of the Indian batsmen was concerned. Sachin was his first wicket in Test cricket and the little master was dismissed by him in both innings. India have to work on a few key areas, but the will take heart from the bowling performance of Umesh Yadav and Zak's return to form. Sachin has looked in superb touch in both the innings and he will play a key role in the next match.

Meek surrender by India's batsmen. 292 was tough, but certainly gettable on this track. But, India's batsmen failed to even put up a fight. Sehwag fell in the short passage of play before lunch but the real collapse started in the 2nd session. Gambhir poked outside off, Dravid was bowled through the gate, Laxman flicked one straight to square leg, Kohli was gone first ball and India were down in no time. Ashwin and Dhoni prolonged the inevitable, but there was only one result possible after the initial burst by the pacers.

47.5 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, out Caught by Warner!! It's all over. Australia win the 1st match within 4 days at the MCG. Lyon flights, Umesh lofts, but Warner runs across at long on and leaps to his right to take a superb catch just inside the ropes. Excellent judgement there from Warner, and the Australian team converge to celebrate. A 122 run victory, and a superb start to the series. Umesh Yadav c Warner b Lyon 21(25) [4s-2 6s-1]

Lyon to Umesh Yadav, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

47.4 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, goes back to the flat trajectory, Umesh works it to the on side

47.3 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, SIX, flights and invites Umesh Yadav for the big shot and Umesh does exactly that, goes for the big shot and smashes it over long on, Warner is standing there but he is a mere spectator

47.2 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, flat again, Umesh defends to the on side

47.1 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, flat and on the off, he pushes it to mid wicket

Drinks are on the field now.

46.6 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, 1 run, full and outside off, Umesh Yadav pushes to point where Warner misfields and allows a run

46.5 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, 'it's in the air, taken, and it's all over' shouts Ravi Shastri but it is not out. Short and on the leg stump line, goes off the thigh pad to short leg, there was an appeal for a catch but no edge there

From round the stumps now

46.4 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, short of length and on the off, Umesh moves back and defends to point

46.3 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, short again but too much bounce to trouble Umesh who ducks under it

46.2 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, hits him with a short ball, bangs it in short and aims at the body, Umesh has no clue and is in no position to play or leave that, ends up getting hit on the glove, he is fine now though

46.1 James Pattinson to Ishant, 1 run, back of a length and angled in, he stays back and pushes to cover for one

45.6 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, FOUR, not so patient this time, within his hitting zone and he just lofts it over the bowler's head, collects 4 more to long on

45.5 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, another patient defence from Umesh, Lyon is giving it air and asking for the big shot but Umesh is happy to defend

45.4 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, loopy on the off, Umesh Yadav defends this time

45.3 Lyon to Ishant, 1 run, given air outside off, Ishant reaches forward and drives to extra cover for one

45.1 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, 1 run, tossed up on the off, Umesh Yadav swings through the line and hits it uppishly to long on, goes on the bounce to the fielder

44.6 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, 1 run, slower delivery to end the over, Umesh manages to push through extra cover for one

44.5 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, 2 runs, full and into the pads, Umesh Yadav whips it away uppishly to deep backward square leg for a couple

44.4 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, back of a length and on the off, Umesh looks to slap it over the on side but it hits him high on the bat and rolls to mid on

44.3 James Pattinson to Ishant, 1 run, very full but down the leg, Ishant glances it to fine leg for one

44.2 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, short and straight, Ishant stays back and defends it to cover, wants a single but Umesh sends him back

Ishant backs away as Pattinson delivers the ball. Strong breeze across the ground and it has taken the bail off.

44.1 James Pattinson to Ishant, 2 runs, fullish and on the off, Ishant gets forward and drives through extra cover for a couple

43.6 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, swing and a miss, more flight around off and a bit of turn as well, Umesh looks to heave it over the on side but fails to make contact

43.5 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, tossed up on the off, Umesh Yadav drives it hard and along the ground to mid off

43.4 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, FOUR, fun indeed. Leading edge to the long off fence! Looks to hit it through the on side but gets a thick leading edge that flies over mid off for a boundary

43.3 Lyon to Umesh Yadav, no run, loopy on the off, Umesh Yadav stays in the crease and defends

Expect some fun. Umesh is on strike.

43.2 Lyon to Ishant, 1 run, more flight on this one, Ishant gets forward and drives to cover region for one

43.1 Lyon to Ishant, no run, starts with a flat delivery that turns in, Ishant stays back and defends

Nathan Lyon [3.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack

42.6 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, and immediately Pattinson bowls a bouncer, Umesh is not too comfortable but somehow stays away

42.5 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, well, can't expect much from a number 11. Straight delivery from Pattinson, Umesh looks to go big over the on side but connects thin air

42.4 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, 2 runs, throws his bat at one outside off, hits it uppishly and gets a couple through the vacant cover region

42.3 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, almost gets the fifer. Very full on the off, Umesh Yadav looks to jam it down and gets a thick edge to that falls short of the slip cordon

Umesh Yadav, right handed bat, comes to the crease

42.2 James Pattinson to Dhoni, out Bowled!! And another wicket for Pattinson. Pitches it up and asks Dhoni to go for the shot, Dhoni obliges and tries to smash it over the on side but only manages an inside edge onto the stumps. Australia just 1 wicket away now. Can Pattinson get 5? Dhoni b James Pattinson 23(44) [6s-1]

James Pattinson to Dhoni, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

42.1 James Pattinson to Dhoni, no run, short of length and angled in, Dhoni hops back and cuts it to point

41.6 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Ishant leaves

41.5 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, in the zone outside off again, this time Ishant shoulders arms

41.4 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, full and wide outside off, Ishant chases and tries to drive but does not get bat on ball

41.3 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, another one banged in short but this is outside off again, Ishant leaves

41.2 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, short of length and outside off, Ishant hops back and defends

41.1 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Dhoni glances it to fine leg for a run

40.6 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, edged but safe. Pitching on length around off, Ishant is neither forward nor back as he tries to defend, gets an inside edge and goes off his pads to the off side

Ishant Sharma, right handed bat, comes to the crease

40.5 James Pattinson to Zaheer, out Caught by Ed Cowan!! The entertainment doesn't last long. One shot too many and Zaheer leaves. Once again tries to give himself some room but Pattinson follows him this time, Zak tries to swing across the line but only manages a bat-pad catch to short leg. Needless to say, Pattinson is pumped up. 2 more wickets for a 1-0 lead. Zaheer c Ed Cowan b James Pattinson 13(22) [4s-1 6s-1]

James Pattinson to Zaheer, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

40.4 James Pattinson to Zaheer, SIX, looks like he has decided to take on the bowling! This was in the slot for him to go for the shot, Zaheer backs away and clears his frontfoot, smashes it over long on for a maximum

40.3 James Pattinson to Zaheer, FOUR, that's a good shot, short and some width outside off, Zaheer throws his bat at it and slaps it over point for a boundary

40.2 James Pattinson to Zaheer, no run, same length once again, Zak punches it firmly but straight to the fielder at point

40.1 James Pattinson to Zaheer, no run, edged but safe, back of a length and on the off, Zaheer pushes at it and gets a thick edge that falls well short of gully

39.6 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, 1 run, another quick single and Zak retains strike with this one, defends it to cover and calls Dhoni for a run and gets it easily in the end

39.5 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, tight line and length from Hilf, Zaheer stays in the crease and defends patiently

39.4 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 1 run, full and straight now, Dhoni punches it hard but there is protection at long on

39.4 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, wide, banged in short but goes too high, high enough to be called wide

39.3 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, that one stays low, slow off cutter from Hilfenhaus, turns in from outside off and goes through Dhoni's gate as he pushes at it, not sure he read it too well

39.2 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, 1 run, quick single and Zaheer gets off strike, defends it softly to cover and runs across quickly for a single

39.1 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, predictable bouncer to start the over, Zak handles it well

38.6 James Pattinson to Zaheer, 1 run, well bowled, after a barrage of short ones he slips in a full delivery, Zak was in no position but gets a thick inside edge to mid wicket

38.6 James Pattinson to Zaheer, no ball, superb ball, but it's the 3rd bouncer in the over. Pitches it short and directs it on the middle and leg, Zak somehow manages to sway away from that

38.5 James Pattinson to Zaheer, no run, another short one from Pattinson but this one bounces a bit too high, Zak gets under it pretty easily

38.4 James Pattinson to Zaheer, no run, Zaheer doesn't look comfortable against short pitch stuff, this was bouncing around off, he tries to sway away and does so awkwardly

38.3 James Pattinson to Dhoni, 1 run, stump to stump lines, Dhoni goes on the backfoot and works it to deep square leg for an easy one

38.2 James Pattinson to Dhoni, 2 runs, powerfully hit but just a couple, rocks back and pulls it hard to deep mid wicket region, there is a fielder there and he will keep it to 2

38.1 James Pattinson to Dhoni, no run, good start, pitches it short and angles it in around off, Dhoni hops back and blocks it

James Pattinson [10.0-2-28-2] is back into the attack

37.6 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, and ends the over with another short ball, Zak continues to defend off the backfoot

37.5 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, another one in the similar area, Zaheer stays back and defends

37.4 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, back of a length delivery on the middle stump, Zaheer stays back and blocks it down the pitch

37.3 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, full delivery on the off, Zaheer gets half-forward and defends

37.2 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 1 run, pitched up on the off, he comes on the frontfoot and pushes to mid off, easy single there as the fielder is standing deep

37.1 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, in the outside off zone, Dhoni looks to drive on the up but plays it too early, ends up dragging it to mid wicket

36.6 Siddle to Zaheer, no run, another short delivery but a lot straighter this time, Zaheer looks to back away and cut it over point but fails to make contact

36.5 Siddle to Zaheer, no run, bouncer from Siddle, Zak didn't look too comfortable but luckily for him it was in the outside off channel

36.4 Siddle to Dhoni, leg byes, 1 run, strays on the legs, goes off the pads to square leg for a leg bye

36.3 Siddle to Dhoni, 2 runs, excellent running, pushes hard at a straight delivery and gets a thick inside edge to deep backward square leg, spots an opportunity for a couple and runs quickly to get there

36.2 Siddle to Dhoni, no run, back of a length and just outside off, Dhoni covers the line and shoulders arms

36.1 Siddle to Dhoni, no run, an appeal for lbw but Ian Gould shakes his head. Pitching on length and nipping back in, Dhoni pushes at it without much foot movement and is hit on the back thigh, height was a factor there

35.6 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, fuller on the middle and leg this time, Zaheer turns it to short leg, Cowan is the fielder there and he flicks it back to the stumps, but Zaheer was always in

35.5 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, bangs it in short on the middle and leg, Zaheer gets under the bouncer

35.4 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, length delivery on the off, he gets forward and blocks

35.3 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 1 run, quick running by Dhoni but almost had Zaheer in trouble there, pushes it firmly to mid off and sets off, Zak was not too alert but had to go through, made it in the end

35.2 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, good length delivery on the off, he gets forward and defends it

34.6 Siddle to Ashwin, out Caught by Ed Cowan!! And the short one gets him this time. Hostile bowling this, short again and right on his ribs, Ashwin tries to fend it away but can only manage a bit of glove, it lobs up easily for a catch to short leg. End of whatever little hope the Indian fans had. Ashwin c Ed Cowan b Siddle 30(35) [4s-5]

Siddle to Ashwin, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

34.5 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, an appeal for caught behind but umpire says not out! Did it hit the bat? No it didn't. Good short delivery that, aimed right at his head, Ashwin swivels and tries to fend it away but misses, good overhead 'catch' by Haddin though

34.4 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, short of length and straight, he goes back and defends it back to the bowler

34.3 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, back of a length and on the middle and leg, he works it to the on side but short leg stops it

34.2 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, short of length around off, Ashwin stays back to defend

34.1 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, well bowled and well played, short delivery around off to start the over, Ashwin drops his wrists and leaves

33.6 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, back of a length and on the off, he goes back and defends

33.5 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, once again maintains it outside off, Dhoni covers the line and leaves

33.4 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, fullish and on the off, Dhoni drives firmly but hits it straight to cover

33.3 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, full and outside off, Dhoni is happy to leave again

33.1 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, back of a length and on the off, he goes back and defends to the off side

Right then, we're back for the post Tea session. How long can this pair fight? Australia have been too good with the ball today, and I expect that to continue. Let's see.

Australia's session totally. Sachin Tendulkar was the only player to offer a semblance of resistance but he too fell as wickets tumbled around him. Australia's seamers hunted as a pack and have put Australia firmly in command. India are still hanging in there and will be looking to offer more fight. Join us to find out if they do in just a short while for the last session.

32.6 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, banged in short, going down the legside too and Ashwin ducks under and that will be Tea

32.4 Siddle to Ashwin, FOUR, much better shot, full and Ashwin drives it on the up and firmly past mid off, timed it superbly too and picks up a boundary, that should boost his confidence

32.3 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, full and outside off, Ashwin pushes forward and plays it uppishly towards cover

32.2 Siddle to Ashwin, FOUR, Siddle continues to trouble Ashwin, short of length and kicking up, the outside edge flies over a leaping Hussey at gully and all the way to the boundary

32.1 Siddle to Ashwin, FOUR, full and outside off, Ashwin was stuck in the crease as he pokes at it, Ashwin gets an inside edge and it somehow misses the stumps and goes down to the fine leg fence

31.6 Lyon to Dhoni, no run, floated up, Dhoni comes on the frontfoot and turns it to mid wicket

31.5 Lyon to Ashwin, 3 runs, tossed up and wide outside off, Ashwin reaches out and drives it through cover for three

31.4 Lyon to Ashwin, no run, on the off and full again, tapped gently on the onside

31.3 Lyon to Ashwin, no run, very straight once more, another defense

31.2 Lyon to Ashwin, no run, floated up again, Ashwin defends it well

31.1 Lyon to Dhoni, 1 run, floated up, Dhoni pushes it to long on for one

30.6 Siddle to Ashwin, FOUR, edged and it flies over second slip, Ashwin was very lucky there as he flashes hard at one outside off, Ponting at second slip leaps in the air but cannot get to it

30.5 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, very sharp bouncer that one, surprises Ashwin with that and he fends at it very awkwardly, gets it on the glove and it rolls on the offside

30.4 Siddle to Dhoni, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Dhoni works it in the mid wicket area for a single

30.3 Siddle to Ashwin, 1 run, slanted in, some extra bounce too, Ashwin gets it high on the bat and in the mid wicket area for a single

30.2 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, pitched up, Ashwin leans forward and drives it firmly to mid off

30.1 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, outside off, Ashwin gets back and guides it towards point

29.6 Lyon to Dhoni, no run, full again, Dhoni comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to mid wicket

29.5 Lyon to Ashwin, 1 run, turning in, Ashwin works it in the square leg area for an easy single

29.4 Lyon to Ashwin, no run, floated up, Ashwin taps it to mid wicket again

29.3 Lyon to Ashwin, no run, floated up and very full, Ashwin turns it to mid wicket

29.2 Lyon to Ashwin, no run, flighted and very straight, Ashwin taps it to mid wicket

29.1 Lyon to Dhoni, 1 run, Dhoni skips down the track and chips this one in the air in the mid wicket area for just a single

28.6 Siddle to Ashwin, 2 runs, full and outside off, Ashwin goes for the drive again, gets a thickish outside edge between gully and point, takes two for it

28.5 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, good length and just outside off, Ashwin stands tall and defends it to cover

28.4 Siddle to Ashwin, FOUR, pitched up, Ashwin drives it square on the offside, a little uppishly but well wide of point, has enough on it to reach the fence too

28.3 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, short of length and outside off, Ashwin stays back and guides it in the gully area, where Hussey makes a good stop

28.2 Siddle to Ashwin, 2 runs, pitched up, Ashwin punches it through cover and takes a couple as Warner dives over the ball

28.1 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, full and angled in, Ashwin stand tall and defends it to mid on

27.6 Lyon to Dhoni, no run, some turn in, Dhoni stand back and taps it gently on the onside

27.5 Lyon to Dhoni, no run, given some air again and very full, Dhoni pushes it back to Lyon

27.4 Lyon to Dhoni, no run, full and outside off, Dhoni comes on the frontfoot and pushes it back to Lyon

27.3 Lyon to Dhoni, 2 runs, slightly shorter and Dhoni is quick to get back and cut, comes back quickly for the second, the throw hits the stumps and the third umpire was called for but Dhoni was way in

27.2 Lyon to Dhoni, no run, flighted outside off, Dhoni stretches out and pushes it to cover

27.1 Lyon to Dhoni, no run, tossed up and full, Dhoni leans forward and pushes it to mid wicket

Nathan Lyon, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

26.6 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, fuller now, Ashwin leans forward and punches it firmly but straight to mid off

26.5 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, good length and outside off, Ashwin stands tall and guides it to point

26.4 Siddle to Ashwin, no run, good length and just outside off, Ashwin taps it to cover

26.3 Siddle to Dhoni, 1 run, on the fuller side again, Dhoni pushes it in front of mid off and scampers across for a quick single

26.2 Siddle to Ashwin, 1 run, full and angled in, Ashwin taps it in front of mid on and takes a quick single to get off the mark

Ravichandran Ashwin, right handed bat, comes to the crease

26.1 Siddle to Tendulkar, out Caught by Michael Hussey!! Is that the final nail in the coffin? Siddle comes into the attack and takes out the big one straightaway, full and outside off, Tendulkar stretches forward and goes for the drive but gets it in the outside half of the bat, goes straight to gully and Hussey takes it with glee, India are going down in a heap now. Tendulkar c Michael Hussey b Siddle 32(46) [4s-4]

Siddle to Tendulkar, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Peter Siddle [3.0-0-12-1] is back into the attack

25.6 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, Hilfenhaus keeps it outside off again and Dhoni has no intention of going after it, another leave

25.5 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, still outside off, no shot offered this time

25.4 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, good length and still outside off, Dhoni watches it well and leaves

25.3 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, just outside off now, Dhoni shoulders arms now

25.2 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 2 runs, full and outside off, Dhoni goes hard at it but does not time it well, gets it in the vacant cover area for a couple

25.1 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, SIX, Where did that come from? What a way to get off the mark too, full and slanted in, Dhoni moves forward and brings out a firm uppish flick, generated incredible power too to send it over the fence

24.6 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, full and just outside off, Tendulkar presses forward and taps it towards cover

24.5 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, full and outside off, Tendulkar shoulders arms again

24.4 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, short of length and outside off, Tendulkar backs away a bit and tries the upper cut but misses it, does not seem to happy with himself

24.3 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, full and outside off, Tendulkar leans forward and pushes it to mid off

24.2 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, FOUR, not what Tendulkar intended but gets a boundary, just outside off, Tendulkar initially though of playing it but pulls his bat away, it hits the bottom of his bat even as he was lifting it and goes past the slip cordon to the third man fence

24.1 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, slanted in and just outside off, Tendulkar leans forward and blocks it well

23.6 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, Superb delivery! Goes past the bat as Dhoni fishes out, this was starting outside off and moved away just a bit and misses the outside edge

23.5 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, on the fuller side and just outside off, Dhoni presses forward and taps it to cover

23.4 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, well outside off, no shot offered by Dhoni

MS Dhoni, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Kolhi waited around for a bit after being given out, the bat hit the pad as he played the shot and hot spot confirms it.

23.3 Hilfenhaus to Virat Kohli, out Lbw!! Kohli seems to be a very disappointed man, was there an inside edge? No! Just disappointment that, Plumb if there was no bat, full and nipping in, Virat Kohli is late on the stroke and misses the line, struck right in front of middle and the umpire did not think twice before giving that one and he didn't need to, India staring down the barrel. Virat Kohli lbw b Hilfenhaus 0(1)

Hilfenhaus to Virat Kohli, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

23.2 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, 1 run, angled in, Tendulkar turns it in the square leg area for one more

23.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length and on the off, Tendulkar lunges forward and blocks it

Virat Kohli, right handed bat, comes to the crease

22.6 James Pattinson to Laxman, out Caught by Ed Cowan!! James Pattinson had just about enough behind the line before sliding forward and beyond the line, good enough for the umpire and Laxman begins the long walk back, full and slanted in, Laxman flicks it firmly and uppishly but straight to Cowan at square leg, Australia well and truly on top now. Laxman c Ed Cowan b James Pattinson 1(14)

James Pattinson to Laxman, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Laxman has been caught at square leg but the umpires are checking for a no ball. Very very close call this.

22.5 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, another one goes past the bat, on a good length and outside off, Laxman prods forward tentatively and pokes once more, this time inside the line of the delivery

22.4 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, very good delivery once again from James Pattinson, gets this one to jag away off the track after angling it in, Laxman has a poke at it but is beaten comprehensively

22.3 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, slanted in, Laxman stands back and defends it

22.2 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, on the fuller side and outside off, nipping in a bit too and Laxman lets it go

22.1 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, James Pattinson keeps it full and wide outside off, VVS shoulders arms

Drinks are on the field now

21.6 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, dug in very short by Hilfenhaus, goes well over Tendulkar, close to being a wide

21.5 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, FOUR, Vintage Tendulkar! Slightly fuller and very straight, Tendulkar stands tall and punches it superbly down the track and past the diving mid on for a boundary, he is picking the deliveries to score off pretty well today

21.4 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, the short one from Hilfenhaus, Tendulkar ducks under it

21.3 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, 1 run, slanted in, Laxman tucks it down to fine leg and ambles across for a single to get off the mark

21.2 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, full and outside off, Laxman leans forward and guides it towards point

21.1 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, angled in once more, Laxman taps it to mid wicket

20.6 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, pitched up and moving in a touch, Tendulkar got a good stride forward for the drive but gets it in the inside half of the bat and jams it into his pads

20.5 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, FOUR, very close call for Sachin, angled in and it takes the inside edge even as Tendulkar was lifting the bat, misses the stumps by a whisker and rolls down to the fine leg fence

20.4 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, James Pattinson persists with the outside off line, no shot offered this time either

20.3 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, short of length and outside off, some movement in too and left alone once more by Sachin

20.2 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, full again, closer to the stumps but still not making Tendulkar play

20.1 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, James Pattinson pushes this one full and wide outside off, Tendulkar wants nothing to do with it, left alone

19.5 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, just outside off, Laxman stays back and defends it once more

19.4 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, good length and on the off, Laxman stands back and blocks it well

19.3 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, full again from Hilfenhaus, Laxman drives it well but straight to the fielder at mid off

19.2 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, good delivery first up to Laxman, right in the blockhole and he does well to jam it out

19.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, 1 run, good length and outside off, Tendulkar pushes it wide of cover and calls for the single, Warner gets across very quickly and throws rather weakly at the striker's end

VVS Laxman, right handed bat, comes to the crease

18.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, out Bowled!! What a delivery that was! James Pattinson came in from wide of the crease and angles it in, pitches outside off and nips in quite sharply at a good pace, Dravid was stuck in the crease as he looked to defend but it sneaks in through bat and pad to crash into the stumps, big wicket this for Australia. Dravid b James Pattinson 10(29) [4s-1]

James Pattinson to Dravid, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

18.5 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, 1 run, angled in once more, Tendulkar works it down to fine leg again for one more

18.4 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, 2 runs, drifting on the middle and leg, no problems for Tendulkar as he flicks it down to deep backward square leg for a couple

18.3 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, good length and just outside off, Tendulkar blocks it solidly even as James Pattinson has an extended follow through

18.2 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, slanted in, Tendulkar stands tall and turns it gently in the square leg area

18.1 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, well outside off, Tendulkar does not go after it, left alone

Pattinson had a few problems in the area where he lands his foot. The ground staff are at work now in that area. Trying to make it even.

17.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, just short of length and outside off, Dravid stands tall and taps it on the offside

17.5 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, good length and just outside off, Dravid stays back and pushes it to cover

17.4 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, short of length and outside off, Dravid shoulders arms

17.3 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, 1 run, full again and angled in, Tendulkar stands tall and plays it wristily to get it in the gap between mid wicket and mid on, quick single taken

17.2 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, follows up the short one with a nicely pitched up delivery, Tendulkar is up to it though, comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to mid off

17.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, dug in very short by Hilfenhaus, Tendulkar goes down under quickly

16.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, a touch fuller and wider outside off too, comfortably left alone by Dravid

16.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, slanted in and short of length, Dravid stays behind the line and pushes it down the track

16.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, James Pattinson comes in wider now and keeps it outside off, Dravid stands tall and keeps it down on the offside

16.3 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, 1 run, slanted in once more and this time Tendulkar works it off the hips for one, easily done

16.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, 1 run, sliding down the legside now, Dravid works it off his hips and down to fine leg for an easy single

16.1 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short of length and on the off, Dravid hops in the crease and pushes it towards point

James Pattinson [5.0-1-15-0] is back into the attack

15.6 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length and on the off, Tendulkar stands tall and punches it to mid off

15.5 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, top delivery to beat Sachin, this is engaging stuff, Hilfenhaus gets this one to kick up from a good length and moves just enough to beat the bat

15.4 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, the short one slipped in now by Hilfenhaus, Tendulkar is quick to duck under it

15.3 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length and slanted in, Tendulkar gets behind the line and pushes it to mid on

15.2 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, the slower cutter now and full too, Tendulkar watches it well, waits for it and drives it straight to the fielder at cover

15.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length and just outside off, Tendulkar stays tall in the crease and punches it firmly to cover

14.6 Siddle to Tendulkar, 1 run, angled in, Tendulkar taps it in front of mid on and scampers across like a hare to complete the quick single, put pressure on the fielder at mid on and it worked, was not collected cleanly and allowed him to make it with ease

14.5 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, pitched up and outside off, Tendulkar comes forward again and blocks it confidently

14.4 Siddle to Tendulkar, FOUR, full and slanted in, Tendulkar rolls his wrists over and middles it superbly and sends it racing to the mid wicket fence, top shot that

14.3 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, a touch fuller this time, Tendulkar leans forward and defends it well once more

14.2 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, just short of length and on the off, Tendulkar stays back and blocks it well

14.1 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, very full, Tendulkar watches it well and plays it late, tapped it to mid on

13.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, nipping in and bouncing too, Dravid is hit on the thigh as he tries to work it on the onside

13.5 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, 3 runs, short of length and just outside off, Tendulkar drives it nicely on the backfoot, Warner at cover was standing deep but gets across very quickly and has a shy at the non striker's end, misses and concedes two overthrows but was worth a shot though, Tendulkar would have been out if that was a direct hit

13.4 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, 2 runs, straighter this time, Tendulkar gets up on his toes and works it in the square leg area for a couple

13.3 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good leave that, on a good length and just outside off, he watched it all the way into Haddin's gloves

13.2 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, full and straight, Tendulkar lunges forward and blocks it solidly

13.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, just short of length and outside off, Tendulkar stands tall and punches it firmly to cover

12.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty and Dravid leaves it sensibly

12.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, just short of length and moving away a bit but well outside off, left alone this time

12.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, on the off once more, Dravid leans forward and defends it again

12.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, good length and just outside off, Dravid blocks it

12.2 Siddle to Tendulkar, 3 runs, lovely drive to get off the mark and gets the crowd going too, nicely pitched up and he gets a good stride forward to punch it through cover, they run well to take three

Sachin Tendulkar, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12.1 Siddle to Gambhir, out Caught by Ponting!! Very good delivery from Siddle, pitched on off and nipped away, extra bounce too, Gambhir was looking to defend but slightly away from the body, it takes the edge and flies to second slip where Ponting takes it neatly, just the start Australia wanted. Gambhir c Ponting b Siddle 13(46) [4s-1]

Siddle to Gambhir, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

11.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, pitched up but still too far outside off, does not make Dravid play

11.5 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, very straight this time, Dravid stands back and blocks solidly

11.4 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, nice and full once more, Dravid punches it firmly down the track and it is stopped by Hilfenhaus

11.3 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, full and outside off, Dravid leans forward and guides it towards gully

11.2 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, just outside off again, Dravid leaves once more

11.1 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, good length but well outside off, Dravid watches it well and shoulders arms

10.6 Siddle to Gambhir, no run, loud appeal turned down, nipping in after pitching on off, Gambhir is hit on the pads but that looked very high, Ian Gould turns it down immediately

10.5 Siddle to Gambhir, no run, excellent comeback by Siddle, slanted across and gets some extra bounce too from a good length, Gambhir does well not to poke at it, was going at it but pulls his bat away

10.4 Siddle to Gambhir, FOUR, nicely played but not great bowling this, starting on leg and sliding down, Gambhir glances it very fine and picks up another boundary

10.3 Siddle to Gambhir, no run, good delivery, nipping away after pitching in line, Gambhir is squared up a bit as he tries to block, gets a soft leading edge towards cover

10.2 Siddle to Gambhir, no run, pitched up, Gambhir comes on the frontfoot and pushes it down the track

10.1 Siddle to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir was almost a goner there, just outside off and Gambhir defends it late, it rolls back towards the stumps and misses leg by a whisker

Peter Siddle, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

9.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, FOUR, very good shot this time, full and angled in, Dravid gets the bat in front of the pads and plays it with a straight bat, timed it very well too and mid on could not stop it, another boundary

9.5 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, leg byes, FOUR, Hilfenhaus errs in line, slides down the leg, Dravid misses the flick but it kisses his pads and goes fine and past the diving Haddin to the fine leg fence

9.4 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, good length and well outside off, Dravid does not offer a shot

9.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, 3 runs, this was the shot he tried the previous delivery too, much better execution this time, the foot comes forward and he punches it through cover, it stops in front of the ropes and they run well to take three

9.2 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, the sucker delivery outside off, nicely pitched up and angled away, Gambhir goes after it but with no feet movement, beaten as a result

9.1 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, pitched up, Gambhir leans forward and pushes it to mid off

A silly point in is in place in addition to the slips and gully.

Welcome back. Huge task ahead of India. Gambhir and Dravid make their way out and each Indian batsman will have to make a valuable contribution if they are to chase this down. No demons in the pitch though and they need a good partnership to pull things back.

Australia have a slight edge after getting rid of Sehwag. They added precious runs in the morning thanks to some uninspiring and defensive captaincy from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The target was 292 - 40 more than India would've liked and it looks even more daunting after their brutal ball striker - Sehwag departed early. The Aussies will be looking for more wickets after lunch, while India would be eyeing a partnership. It promises to be much fun when the post lunch session starts. Do join us at 7:40 IST to see how the game unfolds.

8.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, full and wide outside off, comfortably left alone by Dravid. That's lunch on day 4.

Last ball before lunch

8.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, solidly defended off the frontfoot

8.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, bouncer, too high, left alone by Dravid

8.3 James Pattinson to Gambhir, 1 run, sharp single taken after Gambhir drives just wide of mid off. Gets off strike

8.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, 3 runs, good shot. Dravid crouching low and square driving a full one outside off. Warner gives chase, but can't prevent the third. Neat shot from Dravid as he timed the drive beautifully

8.1 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, Dravid was nearly squared up as the late swing from James Pattinson troubles him. It pitches on middle and leg and curves away, Dravid adjusts and then defends with an open face to point

7.6 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, roaring short delivery from Hilfenhaus. More back in that delivery and it zipped past Gambhir who was hopping to defend. Effort ball from Hilfenhaus and nearly produced the result

7.5 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, a slight inside edge as Gambhir took one hand off the bat handle. The ball rolls to square leg. That bounced a tad

7.4 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, moves to off and defends a good length delivery on off

7.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir backs away before the ball was bowled by Hilfenhaus and the bowler isn't happy. The fielder was moving and Gambhir had the right to move away. Hilfenhaus hurries up on the batsmen. Erasmus talks to Gambhir and then signals a dead ball. Hilfenhaus rebowls this and Gambhir confidently defends off the frontfoot

7.2 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, back and across before defending it back to Hilfenhaus

7.1 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, Hilfenhaus appealed in hope for an LBW after the inswinger caught Gambhir high on the pad. Gambhir pointed out to Erasmus that he got an inside edge onto the pads. Anyway the umpire got it right

6.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, 2 runs, Dravid gets off the mark first ball with a confident tuck off the hips. Couple to backward square

6.5 James Pattinson to Gambhir, 1 run, fine inswinger from James Pattinson. Nearly sneaked through Gambhir's defences, but Gambhir got an inside edge onto the pads as he flicked. Down to the vacant mid wicket area and brings Dravid on strike. Didn't look comfortable while playing that shot

6.4 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, the crowd thought that was a catch, but it was a bump ball. Full and wide outside off, Gambhir squeezed the square drive hard into the ground and Warner leapt to take it at point.

6.3 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, and again. Gambhir will be happy to leave all day with those wide outside off ones

6.2 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, full and wide outside off, James Pattinson not making Gambhir play at all - left alone

6.1 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, bouncer from James Pattinson, Gambhir ducks easily

Rahul Dravid, right handed bat, comes to the crease

5.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, out Caught by Michael Hussey!! Beautifully caught at gully and the big fish has been snared. Sehwag cut it hard, but couldn't keep it down. It was going over the head of Hussey who took it with both hands. Made it look so easy. Was travelling very quickly. Hussey roars and so do the crowd. What a huge wicket that is. Enter Rahul Dravid. Sehwag c Michael Hussey b Hilfenhaus 7(12) [4s-1]

Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

5.5 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, short of length and rising on the stumps, Sehwag defends it back to Hilfenhaus

5.4 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, 1 run, it nips back in from outside off and Gambhir inside edges the flick. The ball rolls to short cover and they take a very good single. Sharply done

5.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir comes on the frontfoot and pushes to cover, looks for the single isn't there

5.2 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir tries to close the face of the bat too early and nearly leading edges it. The ball rolls to mid off softly

5.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, punched wide of cover and they take an easy single

4.6 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, left alone as James Pattinson goes full and wide outside off

4.5 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, excellent ball from James Pattinson and he stares at Gambhir. Short bumper from Gambhir. He was trying to sway out of the way and the ball whistled past his nose. Gambhir did well to drop his wrists and allow it go unharmed. He though would've smelt the leather of the ball. The atmosphere gets heated after Patto follows through near Gambhir

4.4 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, much better leave from Gambhir as he sees it through to Haddin

4.3 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, now James Pattinson gets the inswinger going. Gambhir flicks without any timing to square leg. Good bowling from James Pattinson

4.2 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, loose from Gambhir. Doesn't get fully forward and tries to drive a full one that is slanted across. The ball curves away from the bat.

4.1 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, full and wide outside off, left alone

3.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, pushed from the crease to cover. Sehwag rising onto his toes to play that

3.5 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Sehwag defends with bat and pad close together

3.4 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, short of length delivery on middle, tucked to square leg

3.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, 1 run, on the hips, Gambhir gets inside the line and tucks it down to fine leg

3.2 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, Hilfenhaus now beats Gambhir with one that is angled across him. Gambhir got his frontfoot across to defend, but the angle beat him. Close to the edge too

3.1 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir gets his frontfoot across and nudges the inswinger to mid wicket

2.6 James Pattinson to Sehwag, FOUR, edged through gully. Full and swinging away outside off, Sehwag drove away from the body and it flew wide of the slip cordon and down to the vacant third man fence. Risky shot, but that's how Sehwag plays

2.5 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, Sehwag fiddled at that and then pushed his bat inside the line. Sharp short of length delivery and rising outside off, Sehwag did well not to nick that.

2.4 James Pattinson to Gambhir, 1 run, that's a much better line - full and swinging in from off and middle, Gambhir nearly falls over while trying to flick - gets the front foot across and manages to play it to fine leg

2.3 James Pattinson to Gambhir, leg byes, FOUR, swinging into the pads, Gambhir gets inside the line and it goes off the pads down to the fine leg fence. First boundary for India. Good ball if it starts from outside off - not from middle and leg

2.2 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, sharp bouncer from James Pattinson delivered with a huge grunt - Gambhir ducks and lets it go

1.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, an inside edge onto the pads as Sehwag is a bit late on the defensive stroke. He scampers across for a run as the ball rolls to point

1.5 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, good ball that - the inswinger from Hilfenhaus. Sehwag defends solidly back to Hilfenhaus

1.4 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, first ball and Sehwag goes after a wide one outside off. There is a deep point in place for that upper cut that Sehwag plays. No connection made. No surprise that Sehwag went after it straight-away

1.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, 1 leg byes, wrong line from Hilfenhaus. On the pads, tucked away to fine leg to bring Sehwag on strike for the first time. The umpire gives it as leg byes

1.2 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir moves across to off and defends it back to Hilfenhaus

Three slips and a gully for Hilfenhaus

1.1 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, full and swinging back in towards the pads, Gambhir gets a soft edge as he flicks towards mid on

0.6 James Pattinson to Gambhir, 1 run, nudged off the hips towards fine leg and Gambhir will retain strike

0.5 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, very close to off stump. But bouncing over as Gambhir shoulders arms

0.4 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, pitched up well outside off, going away with the angle, Gambhir leaves

0.3 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, late again on that is Gambhir. He tried to leave and then half-heartedly dabbed it as an after-thought. The ball runs to third slip on the bounce

0.2 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, left alone to one that is well outside off

0.1 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, an angled bat again from Gambhir. Short of a length on off, Gambhir dabs uncertainly towards gully

0.1 James Pattinson to Gambhir, wide, James Pattinson goes very wide outside off and rightly called a wide. Haddin collects close to 1st slip

Gambhir and Sehwag are at the crease. Gambhir is on strike. James Pattinson will open the attack

A big innings for Gambhir - he hasn't scored a international hundred since December 2010. Huge pressure on him. The players walk out. Sehwag strides out. Three slips and a gully for Patto. Here we go. Should be a cracker of a game.

Credit to James Pattinson though - he has batted like a top order bat and has given his side plenty to bowl at. 292 won't be an easy total to chase on this. Remember since 1962 no team has ever chased a total of 200+ at the 'G' to win a test match. That stat shows the enormity of the task that awaits India. As everyone knows, all depends on Sehwag at the top.

In Ian Chappell's words - atrocious captaincy by Mahendra Singh Dhoni today. As Chappell said if ever there was a blueprint to lose a game this was it. When Hussey was batting, MS had the field in and got him out. But for the last wicket pair he had it spread out and allowed 43 valuable runs to be added. It must be said in MS' defence as well that the bowling was pretty ordinary during that stand.

76.3 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, out Caught by Laxman at 2nd slip!! Finally the torture has ended for India. Full and wide outside off, Hilfenhaus drives and edges to Lax who won't miss out on such easy catches. The last wicket pair has added 43 - will that be the difference eventually? Only time will tell. Hilfenhaus c Laxman b Ishant 14(29) [4s-2]

Ishant to Hilfenhaus, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

76.2 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, no run, well left. This one comes back in sharply and Hilfenhaus decided to play, but then left it as it passed close to his body and the off stump

76.1 Ishant to James Pattinson, 1 run, James Pattinson pushes it to a deep mid on and takes the gift - an easy single - on offer

75.6 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, FOUR, now goes to the right of cover. Hilfenhaus getting a good stride forward and hammers it powerfully. Back to back boundaries for Hilfenhaus and this is getting harder by the minute for India. Poor poor bowling from Ashwin

75.5 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, 4 runs, An all-run four! Too short from Ashwin - this is bad bowling - Hilfenhaus rocks back and cuts hard, wide of point. It is a big boundary and the ball stops near the rope. Zaheer ran after it gingerly and by the time he picked it up and threw, they had the time to run 4. The crowd find their voice again.

75.4 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, well tossed up, driven back to Ashwin

75.3 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, the carrom ball from Ashwin - full and on the stumps, Hilfenhaus digs it out

Lax comes in to a second slip now

75.2 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, Hilfenhaus comes on the frontfoot and pushes with an open face to point. No single this time

75.1 Ashwin to James Pattinson, 1 run, drifts in from round the wicket, James Pattinson works it to backward square. Single taken

74.6 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, no run, Sachin acts smart by deliberately fumbling at mid on and was willing to give the single to Hilfenhaus. James Pattinson though was smart enough to realise that and didn't take it

74.5 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, no run, a much more attacking field for Hilfenhaus. But the line is outside off and he leaves

74.4 Ishant to James Pattinson, 1 run, James Pattinson gets a single with a steer of the backfoot to deep backward point. Easy single - not surprising with MS choosing to employ a deep field for Patto

74.3 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, solidly defended back to Ishant. Loud shout of 'No' to Hilfenhaus

74.2 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, regulation back of a length delivery outside off, James Pattinson shoulders arms

74.1 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, short of length delivery on off, James Pattinson drops it in front of cover

Ishant Sharma [11.0-0-41-1] is back into the attack

Drinks are on the field now

73.6 Ashwin to James Pattinson, 1 run, well tossed up outside off from round the wicket, James Pattinson swipes across the line and keeps the strike with a single to deep mid wicket

73.5 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, 1 run, Hilfenhaus comes on the frontfoot and pushes wide of cover. Gives the strike back to James Pattinson

73.4 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, fast and quick on the stumps, Hilfenhaus is caught on the crease, but manages it to squirt it away off the thickish half of the bat to leg

73.3 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, regulation off break from Ashwin, Hilfenhaus defends from the crease

73.2 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, shortish on the stumps, pushed back to Ashwin

73.1 Ashwin to James Pattinson, 1 run, James Pattinson looks for the second after working to fine leg. Not there this time

72.6 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, beaten. Hilfenhaus playing a nothing shot - wafting at a short of length delivery outside off and the ball bounced past the edge

72.5 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, the first one is a poor one. Way down leg and MS moves to his left to collect

72.4 Zaheer to James Pattinson, 1 run, and frustrates India even more by punching a single to long on. Zaheer has a couple of balls at Hilfenhaus now

72.4 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no ball, 2 runs, this is getting out of hand for India now. Zaheer oversteps and angles it in on James Pattinson's pads. Patto flicks after getting his front foot across, wide of fine leg and comes back for an easy couple

72.3 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, full and on off stump, James Pattinson comes on the frontfoot and defends it back to Zaheer

72.2 Zaheer to James Pattinson, FOUR, just wide of Sehwag at gully! James Pattinson continues to get lucky against Zaheer. This one came back in towards off stump, James Pattinson edged it from the crease. Went to the right of Viru who dived, but it went wide and down to the vacant third man fence. Lax has his hands on his head

72.1 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, Zaheer tries to tempt James Pattinson into playing at one full and wide outside off, James Pattinson resists

71.6 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, down leg, Hilfenhaus chooses to let it hit his thigh pad - very ordinary stuff from Ashwin

71.5 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, short again outside off, Hilfenhaus taps to cover

71.4 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, spins back in, Hilfenhaus pushes it to mid wicket

71.3 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, that's much better from Ash. Beats Hilfenhaus with a full one that hold it's line and has the batsman pushing inside the line. Nearly an edge, but not quite there

71.2 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, FOUR, Horrible bowling. The second short delivery in a row. Hilfenhaus had all the time to choose his spot to hit and backed away to find the sweeper cover fence. Had to get it in the gap and did so easily

71.1 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, too short from Ashwin. Hilfenhaus pushes easily off the backfoot to cover

Ravichandran Ashwin [19.0-4-44-1] is back into the attack

70.6 Zaheer to James Pattinson, 2 runs, good running from James Pattinson. Flicked wide of fine leg, he takes on the strong arm of Umesh and hares back for the second

70.5 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, Zaheer keeps it full and outside off, James Pattinson leaves this time

70.4 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, fuller length on off, James Pattinson comes on the frontfoot and defends to cover

70.3 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, beaten again. Zaheer shortens the length, pitches outside off and then seams away to go past the outside edge of James Pattinson. Fab leg cutter that from Zaheer. He is making the ball talk. Too good for Patto

70.2 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, lovely delivery. Similar to the one that got Hussey out. Wide of the crease - angles in and then straightens outside off, Patto has to play and nearly feathers an edge. Zaheer has a mild stare at James Pattinson after that

70.1 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, 1 run, Hilfenhaus gets forward and drives wide of cover. Ishant is standing a little deep at mid off. Gives the strike back to James Pattinson

69.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, FOUR, Bang! Short on off and James Pattinson was into position very quickly and hammered the pull to the deep mid wicket fence. Hit very hard and a crunching sound as the ball met bat. These runs are hurting India.

69.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, 2 runs, James Pattinson opens the face of the bat and steers wide of gully. Immediately calls for two and makes it easily by the time the man from the deep comes in

69.4 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, 2 runs, Dropped by Zak running in from fine leg! Good effort, considering that Zaheer isn't the greatest of movers. It was pulled in the air by James Pattinson and Zaheer ran in a long way, got both hands to it as he slided forward to take. It went out. Zaheer would be disappointed that he didn't hold on after making all the hard work. Umesh Yadav isn't too disappointed, appreciates Zak's work. MS too ran, but it was always Zaheer's catch.

69.3 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, solidly defended off the backfoot. Looks good with each passing delivery does James Pattinson

Kohli is at first slip today. Lax at 2nd. No sign of Dravid. Hmm...

69.2 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, James Pattinson sees the outside off ball and then leaves as it angles across him.

69.1 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, short and down leg, James Pattinson can't connect on the pull

68.6 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, driven off the frontfoot to cover

Back over the wicket now for the last cherry

68.5 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, change of pace from Zaheer. Hilfenhaus is early into the drive and nearly spoons a catch to cover. On the bounce to the fielder

68.4 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, yorker length delivery outside off, Hilfenhaus digs it out back to Zaheer

68.3 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Hilfenhaus misses out on a leg stump offering. Fails to connect on the flick. Would've gone down too

68.2 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, full and angling in into middle and leg, Hilfenhaus fails to flick and the ball would've gone down leg

Zaheer goes round the wicket to Hilfenhaus

68.1 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, full and on the stumps, Hilfenhaus pushes it back to Zaheer

67.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, FOUR, cracked away. Full and wide outside off, James Pattinson got forward and hit it uppishly just to the right of a sprawling Ishant at mid off. The Aussie crowd cheer. Patto looks a very good player

67.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, this one swings back in and raps James Pattinson on the pads. Bit high though and would've gone down leg as well. Still fine bowling from Umesh Yadav. He is getting the ball to swing in and out on a consistent basis

67.4 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, left alone outside off

67.3 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, beaten! James Pattinson pushing forward to a ball on off stump that moves away a shade. So close to the edge again - Umesh Yadav is bowling quite superbly at the moment

67.2 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, Erasmus gets it spot on this time. It looked out to the naked eye, but on second view, it was the bat hitting the ground that produced the noise. James Pattinson going after a full and wide one outside off

67.1 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, 2 runs, James Pattinson leans forward and eases a cover drive wide of Gauti at point. Good enough for a couple

After a pretty ordinary over till then, Zaheer produced a fine delivery to get Hussey out. That's why he is one of the best, if not the best fast bowlers in the world at the present moment. Old ball or new ball - he does the job. Hussey just walked away showing no emotion after he got out

66.6 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Zaheer as expected goes for the yorker to Hilfenhaus. It is not a perfect yorker though and Hilfenhaus keeps it out

Ben Hilfenhaus, right handed bat, comes to the crease

66.5 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, out Caught by Dhoni!! Beauty! Zaheer roars and so do the Swami Army. Michael Hussey misses out on a ton. Zaheer went wide of the crease and angled it in, Hussey had to play as it was close to off. The ball straightened and took the edge through to MS. India certainly needed that. Michael Hussey c Dhoni b Zaheer 89(151) [4s-9]

Zaheer to Michael Hussey, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

66.4 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery on off, Michael Hussey defends to cover

66.3 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, FOUR, deliberately done! These are crucial runs for Australia and Michael Hussey manages a smile after that boundary. A nervous one too. Michael Hussey leant forward and at the last moment opened the face to get it wide of Sehwag at gully. No third man and Michael Hussey will get his second boundary of the over

66.2 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, Zaheer pulls the length back and Michael Hussey leaves one outside off

66.1 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, FOUR, Cracker! The first confident shot that Michael Hussey has played today. Big stride forward and a thumping cover drive. No one moved as the ball sped away to the deep cover fence. Everything right about the shot. Michael Hussey is a magnificent cover driver and that shot proves why he is one of the best

65.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, now James Pattinson mistimes a drive. Tries to go too hard at one outside off and hits it back to Umesh Yadav

65.4 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, angled across James Pattinson, left alone

65.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 1 run, swings back in from outside off, Michael Hussey toe ends the off drive past Umesh Yadav and takes a quick single to mid off. Ishant was caught on his heels and they completed it easily

65.2 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, defends a short of length delivery on off to the off side

65.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, loud shout for caught behind, but Erasmus after having a look at the square leg umpire rejects it. Hang on - Hot Spot shows a faint edge on the bat. But the replays show that it went straight off the pad. Good take by Mahendra Singh Dhoni diving to his right. The Indians appealed and appealed, but Erasmus didn't give it. Another game changing moment? Sourav on air says that - the DRS could have got India another wicket.

64.6 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, pitched up on off stump, James Pattinson dead bats it confidently

64.5 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, another play and a miss. Yorker length outside off, James Pattinson tries to run it down with an open face and doesn't make contact. Lots of oohs and aahs from the Indians

64.4 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, gets onto his toes and keeps the back of a length delivery outside off onto the off side

64.3 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, Zaheer beats James Pattinson on the outside edge. Short of a length and rising outside off, James Pattinson played a half steer/half dab and was lucky that it didn't hit the edge.

64.2 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, I don't know for what reason Zaheer is appealing. Must have felt that it had hit the toe first. But straight off the middle of the bat as James Pattinson jams his bat onto an yorker on the stumps. Gould gets it dead right

64.1 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, James Pattinson looks confident today. Leaves a full ball outside off alone

63.6 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, fine stop from Sehwag at gully. Went to his left and saved some runs. Michael Hussey square drove and timed it well

63.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, and again. That's a good leave. It was closer to off, but Michael Hussey judged it well and shoulders arms

63.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, beaten! Very loose from Michael Hussey and not David Hussey as Sourav calls him on air. It was full and outside off, Michael Hussey reached out to drive and played outside the line. The ball went under the bat and he has a worried look at the pitch after missing that. Good attacking bowling from Umesh Yadav this over

63.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey reaches out and mistimes the cover drive. The ball rolls to the off side after hitting the bottom part of the bat

63.2 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, left alone to a ball that is on or around off. It was angled across him and Michael Hussey did well to leave

63.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, that's pretty close, but Michael Hussey did well to run down the wicket and not give Erasmus a chance to make a decision. Completely beaten by the late inswing and the ball curved in to hit the pad as Michael Hussey's bat came down at an angle. Would've slipped down leg though. Hawk Eye shows it is clipping the outside of leg. Can't really believe that. Anway Michael Hussey survives. Stifled appeal from the Indians too.

62.6 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, Zaheer pings James Pattinson on the backfoot with a short of length delivery on off stump, Patto defends with an open face to backward point

62.5 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, good lines from Zaheer, keeping it outside off. James Pattinson is happy to leave

62.4 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, full ball on off stump, that's a confident block from James Pattinson on the front-foot

62.3 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, short of length and seaming away after pitching outside off, James Pattinson lets it go

62.2 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, 1 run, pitched up on off stump, Michael Hussey squeezes it out softly to mid on. Easy single

The Indians haven't started that well today. Both the overs have been poor ones. No real intensity on display in the field too. They need to pull up their socks quickly

61.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, Umesh Yadav keeps hitting the fuller length and maintains it outside off, James Pattinson continues to leave

61.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, full and outside off, James Pattinson shoulders arms

61.4 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, Umesh Yadav angles it in outside off, James Pattinson leaves

61.3 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, FOUR, is that Michael Hussey or James Pattinson on strike? It is James Pattinson. Crunching shot. Full and wide outside off, James Pattinson reaches out and sweetly times the cover drive. Got it between extra cover and mid off. The ball raced away. Confident start from James Pattinson.

61.2 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, 2 runs, James Pattinson covers the swing and then turns it with the swing to deep backward square leg for a couple. Zak was a bit slow in getting to the ball

61.1 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, that's a close leave. James Pattinson completely misjudged the length of the ball and the line. It swung back in and luckily for James Pattinson, it bounced even as he shouldered arms. It hit Pattinson high on the leg. So it was bouncing over. The Indians didn't even appeal

60.6 Zaheer to James Pattinson, byes, 1 run, idea bowling from Zaheer and even more idea keeping from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Drifts down leg, James Pattinson misses the glance, Dhoni fumbles and lets James Pattinson take a bye

60.5 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, nice shape away on that away swinger, James Pattinson has an easy leave as it is well outside off

60.4 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, short one outside off, James Pattinson leaves it easily. Good carry to Mahendra Singh Dhoni

60.3 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, full one on off stump, James Pattinson is half forward and gets an inside edge onto the pads

60.2 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, Zaheer bowls this one on the stumps, James Pattinson gets the bat down in time and defends

60.1 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, full one that swings away, James Pattinson gets forward and then leaves with an exaggerated shouldering of the arms

The Indians are in a huddle and out they come after one last discussion. Zaheer leads them on their way. Hussey and Pattinson have a small talk too. Zak will start off the day. Three slips and a gully. Two infielders to save the single as well. As I type this, the third slip has come out to a short cover

Pitch report: Wasim Akram points out the area on the pitch where if the ball pitches, there will be uneven bounce. He points out that Zaheer exploited it beautifully by bowling consistently on that area. He feels that the bowlers will have a major say today.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the fourth and what will, in all probability, be the last day of the game. The game is very much in the balance at the moment and for Australia, Hussey holds the key. If he can add a few more runs with the last two wickets then it could well be Australia's game. For India, it is absolutely essential that they do not concede too many runs from now. The total is already a competitive one and India's batsmen will have their task cut out when they come out.

So which team will be happy at the end of the day? Neither, or both. It has been that kind of a day. Hilfenhaus got 5 to trigger an Indian collapse in the first session. India's pacers fought back in the post lunch session and reduced Australia to 27/4 at one stage before the experience of Hussey and Ponting combined to put in a 115 run stand. And then Zaheer returned with the old ball and got Ponting, triggering a lower order collapse towards the end of the day. After all this action, Australia lead by 230 runs and have 2 wickets left. How much will India like to chase? How much will Australia like to defend? Day 4 promises to be even more exciting, so see you then. Tata!

59.6 Ashwin to James Pattinson, byes, 3 runs, not the best of balls to end the day, tries the carrom ball but sprays it down the leg, brushes Dhoni's pads and rolls to fine leg region. Ends an exciting day of Test cricket.

Another man moves in near the batsman. VVS at leg slip. Ashwin from over the wickets.

59.5 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, flat and drifting in, Pattinson dead bats it off the backfoot

59.4 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, flat through the air, Pattinson defends solidly

59.3 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, well flighted again, Pattinson drives off the frontfoot to mid off

59.2 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, flat and around off, Pattinson defends off the backfoot

A slip and a silly point.

59.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, tossed up on the off, Hussey pushes it through covers for one

Last over of the day coming up. Who will bowl it? Zak? Ashwin? Umesh? Ashwin it is.

58.6 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, waste of a delivery to end the over, sprays it down the leg and gives work for Mahendra Singh Dhoni who moves across and collects it

58.5 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, good length delivery on the middle and leg, Pattinson defends to the on side

58.4 Ishant to Michael Hussey, 1 run, full and straight, he pushes it to mid off for one

58.3 Ishant to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, needless throw and poor backing up. Hussey drives to covers and sets off for a single, he was comfortably in at the bowler's end but Kohli still throws, Ashwin is the man backing up and puts in a lazy effort, brings Hussey back on strike

58.2 Ishant to James Pattinson, 1 run, direct hit would have resulted in a wicket, Pattinson gets a bit of a leading edge towards covers and sets off for a quick single, Umesh is the fielder there and he can't hit direct on the bowler's end

58.1 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, much better line and length, keeps it just outside off but Pattinson does well to leave it alone

57.6 Ashwin to James Pattinson, 1 run, flights it well but bowls a low full toss, Pattinson flicks it to deep square leg and retains strike

Back to round the stumps

57.5 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, goes over the stumps and bowls it on the middle stump, Pattinson drives it to mid on

57.4 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, now he bowls it a bit flatter, Pattinson clips it to mid wicket, Hussey wants one but Pattinson doesn't

57.3 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, beaten. Good ball, lots of flight and a bit of turn from middle stump channel, Pattinson looks to defend but is beaten by the spin and bounce

57.2 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, fullish on the off, James Pattinson gets forward and drives it back to Ashwin

57.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, tossed up on the middle and leg, he works it to square leg for a single

56.6 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, wrong line once again, on the leg stump channel to the left hander, goes off the pad to the keeper. 3 balls wasted there

56.5 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, another one down the leg, Pattinson looks to work it around but can't get bat on ball

56.4 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, wasted delivery - bangs it in short on the legs, Pattinson negotiates it easily

Over the wicket to James Pattinson

56.3 Ishant to Michael Hussey, 1 run, back of a length and on the body, Hussey nudges it to mid wicket for one

56.2 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, angles it in on the legs, Hussey misses out on a glance

56.1 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, full and a bit of reverse into the left hander, Huss looks to drive but mishits back to the bowler

Ishant Sharma [9.0-0-36-1] is back into the attack

55.6 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, well bowled and well left, teasing line outside off but Pattinson shoulders arms, ends a maiden over

55.5 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, tight and accurate again, Pattinson stays forward and blocks with a straight bat

55.4 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, flat, short and quick outside off, Pattinson cuts it to point

55.3 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, tossed up on the off, James Pattinson comes on the frontfoot and defends it with soft hands

55.2 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, much slower through the air, Pattinson waits and pushes to the on side

55.1 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, flat and drifting in, Pattinson stays back and blocks

54.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, 1 run, and bowls a full one outside off, Pattinson squeezes it out to point and takes a quick run, retains strike

Umesh goes over the stumps.

54.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, a bit wide outside off, Pattinson will not chase those

54.4 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, full and just outside off, Pattinson comes forward to defend

54.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 1 run, short and angled in, Huss rocks back and pulls to fine leg

53.6 Ashwin to Lyon, out Lbw!! This was always coming. Ashwin has been bowling well this spell and gets his first reward. Slips in another flat carrom ball, Lyon looks to play it off the backfoot but misses and is struck in front of middle and leg, maybe missing leg, maybe hitting leg. Will confirm after a replay. Lyon lbw b Ashwin 0(11)

Ashwin to Lyon, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

53.5 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, flighted up on the off, Lyon gets a good stride forward and blocks again

53.4 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, another flat delivery around off, Lyon is on the backfoot again and defends with a straight bat

53.3 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, flat and skidding on, Lyon stays back and punches it down the ground

53.2 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, well stopped at short leg, Lyon works it to the on side but Gambhir dives and stops it

53.1 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, given air on the off, Lyon gets forward and defends it

52.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, very full on the off, Huss defends from the crease

52.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, good leave outside off, nipping in off a length but Hussey has his stumps covered and shoulders arms

52.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, full and just outside off, Michael Hussey mishits a drive to the on side

52.2 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, well, that's a run out chance missed! Hussey cuts this to deep point and calls Lyon back for the 2nd run, Zaheer the fielder does well to throw at the non striker's end but the bowler Umesh Yadav is not in any kind of position to gather it near the stumps, Lyon would have been a goner had he been near the stumps

52.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, well bowled, Umesh is working up good pace here, bowls a good yorker on middle stump line but Hussey is up to the challenge, digs it out easily

51.6 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, tries to bowl another quick one, Lyon has no problems in defending that

51.5 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, flat and fast on middle stump line, Lyon defends it off the frontfoot

51.4 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, floated outside off, Lyon plays inside the line and leaves

51.3 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, once again good drift but just a bit wide outside off, Lyon leaves

51.2 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, beaten! Flat and gets a lot of drift, Lyon comes forward and tries to defend but is beaten by the drift

51.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, flat and angled in, Hussey works it off the backfoot to mid on for one

Nathan Lyon, right handed bat, comes to the crease

50.6 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, out Caught by Dhoni!! Good catch and Umesh has his 4th wicket. Maintains it fast and just around off, Siddle was neither forward nor back as he poked at it, got a thick edge that flew low and to the right of Dhoni who put in a dive to take it. Australia are 7 down, and India are into the tail now. Siddle c Dhoni b Umesh Yadav 4(22)

Umesh Yadav to Siddle, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

50.5 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, in the channel outside off, good carry to Mahendra Singh Dhoni as Siddle leaves

50.4 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, full and outside off, Siddle tries to squeeze it out but gets a thick inside edge to the on side

50.3 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, good pace again, gets it to zip in onto his body, Siddle tries to work it to the on side but plays a bit early, gets a slight leading edge to the off side

50.2 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, good length and angled in with good pace, Siddle defends it back to Umesh, who threatens to throw it back. The crowd doesn't appreciate the aggression

50.1 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, fullish delivery on the off, it was a half volley but Siddle is happy to just defend

49.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, flat and around off, Hussey defends off the frontfoot

49.5 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, catch dropped by Rahul Dravid at 1st slip. Oh dear oh dear. He has dropped quite a few recently at that position. It was well bowled by Ashwin, once again he tossed it up and invited Hussey, he came down the track and looked to push, got a thick edge to 1st slip, simple chance, but straight in and out. Ashwin has his hands on his head, will this be a game changing moment?

49.4 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, slips in a flat and quick one around off, Hussey blocks it off the backfoot

49.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, another defence, he is using his feet well and plays it down the ground

49.2 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, good flight on the middle and leg, Hussey gets a stride forward and defends it

49.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, floated around off, he goes back and pushes it to the off side

48.6 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 1 run, short delivery outside off, Hussey tries to pull but is hurried on by the pace, mishits to mid on and retains strike with one

48.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, Umesh changes angle and goes round the stumps, Hussey stays back and defends one to the off side

48.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, FOUR, is there a better shot to watch than the cover drive especially when it's played by a left hander? Full and just a bit of width outside off, enough for Hussey to unleash a gorgeous drive between cover and mid off, superb stuff

48.2 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, accurate line and length once again, Hussey defends from the crease

48.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, good line immediately, full and just outside off, Hussey covers the line and leaves

Umesh Yadav [11.0-2-40-3] is back into the attack

47.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, full and slanting in, Hussey pushes at it and gets a thick inside edge to fine leg, retains strike with one

47.5 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, accurate line and length, Hussey defends, it threatens to roll back to the stumps but it goes just wide

47.4 Ashwin to Siddle, 1 run, tossed up and turning in slowly, Siddle works it through mid wicket for a single

47.3 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, stump to stump stuff, Siddle stays back and blocks

47.2 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, better flight, invites Siddle on the frontfoot but he is solid in defence

47.1 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, tries the carrom ball and bowls it short outside off, Siddle follows it but misses as he tries to cut

46.5 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, fullish and just a bit of reverse swing into the left hander, he drives it to mid off

46.4 Zaheer to Siddle, 1 run, ah, he changed his action there in an attempt to bowl a yorker, but he got it a bit wrong, Siddle glances to fine leg for a single

46.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, full and wide outside off, Siddle lets it go

46.2 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, beaten outside off, fuller in length and moves away after pitching, Siddle follows with the angle and is beaten by the movement

Zak is bowling from over the stumps now. He is constantly changing his angles, but Siddle has read him well.

46.1 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, starts the over with a bouncer, Siddle gets under it

45.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, flat and full around off, Hussey punches off the frontfoot to cover

45.5 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, good comeback, tosses it up and invites Michael Hussey forward, he uses his feet to get to it and blocks

45.4 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, FOUR, not so tight this time, drags it short and gives it width outside off, too easy for Hussey as he cuts it off the backfoot between point and cover, there is a man in the deep there but the placement was good

45.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, tighter this time, makes Hussey get forward and block

Just the lone slip in place. Rahul Dravid is the man there

45.2 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, short and very wide outside off, Hussey chases and cuts but hits it straight to the fielder at point

45.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up on the off, Hussey is happy to defend

44.6 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, another attempted bouncer but this is outside off now, Siddle leaves it easily

44.5 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, tries the bouncer but bowls it way down the leg, Siddle moves away

44.4 Zaheer to Siddle, 2 runs, angles it on from round the wickets, Siddle works it to deep backward square leg, the second run is a bit risky but they run well and make it

Back to round the wickets

44.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, solid in defence, good length and on the off, Siddle comes on the frontfoot to defend it

44.2 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, attempted yorker but Siddle converts it into a low full toss and drives it to mid off

44.1 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, stump to stump line, Siddle defends from the crease

Zaheer from over the stumps

43.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, varies his speeds and tries a quicker one, Hussey punches it off the backfoot to the off side, ends a maiden over

43.5 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, nice flight again, Hussey watches it well and blocks it

43.4 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, a bit of width outside off but Hussey slaps it straight to cover

43.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, flat and drifting in, Hussey defends from the crease

43.2 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, good flight in the off stump channel, Hussey defends after taking a good stride

43.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, slow stuff on the off stump line, Hussey stays back and blocks

42.6 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, good length and around off, Siddle defends it down the ground

42.6 Zaheer to Siddle, no ball, tries to slip in the yorker but misses it by a few inches, Siddle squeezes it out to the off side, Zak has overstepped

42.5 Zaheer to Haddin, out Caught by Laxman!! Another wicket for Zaheer. He has been the best bowler for India today, and he totally deserves this. Maintains it in the corridor of uncertainty around off, Haddin stays in the crease and pushes away from his body, only manages a thick edge straight to 2nd slip. 6 wickets down now, this match gets more interesting! Haddin c Laxman b Zaheer 6(14)

Zaheer to Haddin, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

42.4 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, full and straight, Haddin gets a good stride forward and defends

Zaheer from round the stumps..

42.3 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, fuller and angled across, Haddin gets forward and drives to mid off

42.2 Zaheer to Haddin, 2 runs, looks like Haddin will play his shots, this was banged in short by Zak, Haddin rocked back and pulled it over mid wicket, once again not timed too well but he'll take 2

42.1 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, nice solid forward defence from Haddin, gets well forward and blocks it to the off side

41.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, from round the wickets, and slow on the off, Hussey uses his feet and plays it with his pads

41.5 Ashwin to Haddin, 1 run, tries the carrom ball but bowls it a bit short on the legs, Haddin works it square leg for one more

41.4 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, floated around off, Haddin defends this time

41.3 Ashwin to Haddin, 2 runs, positive intent from Haddin, but Ashwin shouldn't mind it at all. Well flighted outside off, Haddin drags it from there and lofts it over mid on for a couple, didn't get the timing right on that occassion

41.2 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, flatter through the air, Haddin plays it off the backfoot to point

41.1 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, tossed up on the off, he gets forward and defends it

Ravichandran Ashwin [9.0-0-31-0] is back into the attack

40.6 Zaheer to Haddin, 1 run, full and on the off, Haddin gets forward and drives it straight down the ground, mid on runs across to stop it

40.5 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, pitches on length and nips in a touch, Haddin pushes it to the on side

The Indian team got into a huddle after that wicket. Ganguly says on air "it all started in 2003.."

40.4 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on the off, he stays in the crease and defends it

40.3 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, full and outside off, Haddin drives it to point

That wicket brings the game back to the balance once again. All depends on Zaheer for India, and Hussey for Australia. Meanwhile, the players take drinks.

Brad Haddin comes in now

40.2 Zaheer to Ponting, out Caught by Sehwag!! Zaheer comes, Zaheer gives breakthrough. Same old story. Very similar to the way he got Haddin in the first innings. He keeps it full and angles it across, Ponting is lured into the drive but the ball flies off the outside half of the bat to gully where Sehwag takes a simple catch. What a big wicket that, Ponting was looking very good but has fallen after getting a half century yet again. Ponting c Sehwag b Zaheer 60(97) [4s-3]

Zaheer to Ponting, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

40.1 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, starts with a full delivery just outside off, Ponting has a careful look and leaves

Zaheer Khan [9.0-1-25-0] is back into the attack

39.6 Sehwag to Michael Hussey, no run, comes down the track and converts it into a half volley, but can only drive it back to Sehwag

39.5 Sehwag to Michael Hussey, no run, flatter and around off, Hussey comes on the frontfoot and defends it

39.4 Sehwag to Ponting, 1 run, much better flight from Viru, bowls it fuller too, Ponting collects an easy single to long on

39.3 Sehwag to Michael Hussey, 1 run, again a bit too short, Hussey is on the backfoot again to punch to sweeper cover, another easy run

39.2 Sehwag to Ponting, 1 run, sprays it short on the legs, Ponting rocks back and pulls it to deep backward square leg, lucky to get away with that - Sehwag

39.1 Sehwag to Michael Hussey, 1 run, slow and turning away, Hussey goes back and punches it to sweeper cover for an easy single

Gentle reminder: Australia were 27/4 at one stage.

38.6 Ishant to Michael Hussey, leg byes, 1 run, once again he angles it in on the leg, Hussey gets some pad on it and Dhoni has to dive and make a half stop, they sneak in a leg bye

38.5 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length and around off, Hussey tries to cut but doesn't get it out of the middle, chops it towards gully

38.4 Ishant to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, wrong line, bowls it full and on the legs, Hussey helps it with the angle to fine leg area where Ashwin runs across and stops

38.3 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, good length and angled in from outside off, Hussey gets forward and tries to defend but gets hit on the pad

38.2 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, back of a length and outside off, Ponting goes on the backfoot and cuts it to deep backward point, there is protection in the deep there

38.1 Ishant to Ponting, no run, uh oh, horror start to the over for Ishant, runs in and sprays it way down the leg, Dhoni has to move a long way and put in a dive to stop it

37.6 Sehwag to Michael Hussey, no run, stump to stump stuff, Hussey gets an inside edge as he tries to defend

37.5 Sehwag to Michael Hussey, no run, from round the stumps and angled in, Michael Hussey takes a couple of steps forward and flicks it to mid wicket

37.4 Sehwag to Ponting, 1 run, more flight and much fuller, Ponting drives it to mid on and takes a quick single, the running has been excellent

37.1 Sehwag to Ponting, 2 runs, starts with a harmless delivery down the leg, Ponting clips it to fine leg for a couple

Virender Sehwag, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

The partnership is taking the game away from the Indians. Both of them have looked extremely comfortable and have handled the bowlers quite easily. Sehwag comes on now.

36.6 Ishant to Ponting, 3 runs, full and wide outside off, Ponting gets a good stride forward and guides it between gully and point, the running is good so they'll get 3

36.5 Ishant to Ponting, no run, full in length but too wide outside off to interest Ponting, he lets it go

36.4 Ishant to Michael Hussey, 1 run, angled in on the pads, Hussey nudges it to square leg for a quick single

Slight delay in play. Ishant is tightening the spikes on his boots.

36.4 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no ball, the effort ball from Ishant but he gets it wrong, oversteps and bowls a bouncer down the leg, Hussey has no problems in dealing with those. Partnership: 100

36.3 Ishant to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, pitched up again, this time he gets to the pitch of it and drives it hard onto the ground, it bounces over Kohli at cover and they take a couple

36.2 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, a big appeal for lbw not given. I think it was striking him outside off, fuller in length and nipping in off the seam, Hussey was struck on the frontfoot as he tried to defend, but that was hitting him outside the line

36.1 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angled in from round the stumps, Hussey stays back and blocks

35.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, 27th Test fifty for Mr Cricket! Tossed up on the leg stump, Michael Hussey comes down the track and flays it through the midwicket region. There is no fielder in the deep and that allows three runs. What a knock from Hussey under pressure.

35.5 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, floated up on the leg stump, Ponting flicks it easily to deep square leg for a single

35.4 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, comes down the track and takes the delivery on the full, drives it to mid off. Gambhir dives over the ball and that results into two extra runs.

35.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, flatter off break outside off, Michael Hussey opens the face and plays it to Ishant

35.2 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, slower through the air on the off stump, Michael Hussey makes room and pushes it to Ishant at point

35.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up outside off, Michael Hussey presses forward and defends it to the off side

34.6 Ishant to Ponting, 4 runs, short and swinging away, Ponting punches it off the backfoot through backward point region. Sehwag jogs behind it and by the time he sends in the throw, the batsmen have run four. With that Ponting brings up his 59th Test fifty.

34.5 Ishant to Ponting, no run, back of a length delivery angling in, Ponting stays in his crease and pushes off the backfoot to the leg side

34.4 Ishant to Ponting, no run, short and wide outside off, Ponting looks to play it away from the body, gets a bottom edge which rolls down to Dhoni.

34.3 Ishant to Michael Hussey, leg byes, 1 run, fuller length delivery slanting onto the pads, Michael Hussey misses the flick, Ponting calls for a quick single and makes it before Ishant can reach the ball

34.2 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, good length delivery pitching just outside off, Michael Hussey looks to defend and is beaten.

34.1 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, short and outside off, Ponting drags a pull to backward square leg for a single

Ishant Sharma [6.0-0-21-1] is back into the attack

33.6 Ashwin to Ponting, 3 runs, wide and short outside off, Ponting romps back and cuts it past Kohli at extra cover who chases it with intent upto the boundary rope. He puts in the dive, but I think he touched the ropes while making a sliding stop. The third umpire thinks otherwise, Kohli has saved a run for his side

33.4 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, straighter one outside off, Ponting goes deep into the crease and defends it

33.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, drifts onto the pads, Michael Hussey works it to deep square leg for a single

33.2 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up on middle, Michael Hussey drives it down to the left of Ashwin who moves quickly and fields it

33.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, floated up outside off, it spins away and Michael Hussey cuts it past Yadav at point for a couple

32.6 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, this is excellent bowling from Umesh Yadav, gets this one to hint in a bit from outside off, Ponting is well forward to it and shoulders arms. Quite close to the pad

32.5 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, just as the batsmen look set, Umesh Yadav gets one to trouble Punter. It was full and straight outside off, Ponting came forward expecting away movement and looked to drive, the ball escaped between bat and pad into Dhoni's gloves

32.4 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, on a length and straight on middle, Ponting shuffles across and drives it to mid on

32.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, back of a length delivery outside off, Michael Hussey goes back and pulls it to the deep midwicket region. It wasn't that short, which is why he did not get it out of the meat of the bat, Ashwin chases it from midwicket and keeps it to three

32.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller length delivery slanting across Michael Hussey who lets it go through to the keeper

31.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, pushed through quicker on the off stump, Michael Hussey gets well forward and guides it through the point region for a single

31.5 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, slow and a touch short, it spins across and Ponting flicks it to deep square leg for a single

31.4 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, holds this one in the air a bit, Ponting gets forward and drives it back to Ashwin

31.3 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, tossed up outside off, Ponting goes on the backfoot and defends it

31.2 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, flatter straighter one on middle, Ponting goes deep into the crease and defends it

31.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, tossed up outside off, Michael Hussey comes down the track and drives it through the covers for a single

30.6 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 1 run, this one is a touch shorter, Michael Hussey waits for it and taps it past point for a single.

30.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, FOUR, classy cover drive from Hussey, one of the shots that has brought him much fame. Full and outside off, Michael Hussey leans into the drive, keeps his head still and doesn't try to hit it too hard. Eases it into the covers for a boundary

30.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, this one moves away with the angle across the left handed Hussey who pushes it to cover

30.3 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 1 run, short of length delivery on the body, Ponting pulls it to fine leg for a single

30.2 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, FOUR, peach of a delivery from Umesh Yadav, gets it to move away after pitching it just outside off, Ponting prods at it tentatively, gets an outside edge which rolls down through the gully region for a boundary.

30.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 1 run, good length delivery nipping in on the pads, Hussey dabs it to square leg for a single

29.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, fuller outside off, Michael Hussey drives it to sweeper cover for a single

29.5 Ashwin to Ponting, byes, 1 run, turn and bounce for Ashwin from middle stump, Ponting does well to keep his gloves away from the ball, it rolls off his thigh pads, umpire calls it a bye

29.4 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, flatter and quicker outside off, Ponting pushes it to the leg side, Ashwin fields it on his follow through

29.3 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, leading edge for Punter as he looks to turn a fuller delivery, no silly point in place.

29.2 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, tossed up off break outside off, Ponting plants his front foot forward and defends

29.1 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, floated up on the off stump, Ponting gets across and plays it with the turn to midwicket

28.6 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up on middle and leg, Michael Hussey plays it out watchfully back to Yadav. Maiden over

28.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, good bowling from Umesh Yadav, once again a length delivery in the corridor of uncertainity, Michael Hussey watches it go into Dhoni's gloves

28.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, good length delivery angled away, Michael Hussey thought of playing at that, but lets it go through at the last moment

28.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery and close to the off stump, but wide enough for Hussey to let it go through

28.2 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, short and on the stumps, Michael Hussey looks to pull and misses, the ball rolls off his thighs to the off side

28.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, no run, why isn't Yadav appealing a bit more?? Fuller in swinger to the left hander, Michael Hussey looks to flick and is hit on the pads, muffled appeal from the bowler, the gully fielder is alert and looks to run Hussey out, but he is in

27.6 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, tosses this one a bit outside off, makes Ponting come forward and play it.

27.4 Ashwin to Ponting, 2 runs, flighted up on middle, Ponting crouches forward and plays a fine sweep to fine leg for a couple.

27.3 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, floated up outside off, it skids through, Ponting is surprised by the bounce, but manages to defend it

27.2 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, drops it a touch short, Michael Hussey pushes it off the backfoot past midwicket for a single

27.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up on the stumps, Michael Hussey comes on the front foot and defends

Ravichandran Ashwin [4.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack

26.6 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, back of a length delivery nipping away from outside off, Ponting gets back and across to defend

26.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Hussey, 1 run, fuller on the pads, Michael Hussey works it in front of square for a single. The batsmen look for the second, but Rahane runs in quickly from the deep and prevents it

26.4 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 1 run, short outside off, Ponting looks to pull, doesn't get hold of it properly, but manages to play it to backward square leg for a single

26.3 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, yorker length delivery outside off, Ponting digs it out past Michael Hussey to mid on where Gambhir tumbles to his left and stops a single

26.2 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Ponting makes an exaggerated movement to his right and shoulders arms

26.1 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, pitched up outside off, it was shaping away nicely, Ponting comes forward and drives it a bit uppishly to cover. Well stopped by the fielder

Right, the players are back onto the field. For probably the most important session of the tour.

Wickets continued to tumble in the second session. This time the Indian pacers got into the act. Zaheer, yet again, led the way with a fine opening spell but without much luck. Umesh complemented him nicely at the other end and picked up the first three wickets to fall. Ishant joined him with one. Hussey and Ponting have fought through some tough periods to put on a good stand and Australia's hopes of stretching the lead lies with them. Should be another interesting session and join us for it in just a short while.

25.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, good turn for Ashwin and he goes past the bat as Michael Hussey pushes forward, just past the outside edge and Michael Hussey will be relieved to go in unbeaten at Tea

25.5 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, full and outside off, Michael Hussey drives it well but cannot get it past cover

25.4 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, skidding on from round the wicket, Michael Hussey defends it well

25.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey skips down the track again and taps it it Gambhir at silly point, he has a shy at the stumps and hits it but Michael Hussey is quick to get back

25.2 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, straighter in line now, Ponting turns it towards mid wicket and gets off strike

25.1 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, tossed up and just outside off, goes straight on, Ponting watches it well and blocks from the crease

24.6 Zaheer to Ponting, 1 run, Zaheer tries the yorker now, ends up as a low full toss and Ponting flicks it firmly down to deep square leg for one

24.5 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, the cutter now from Zaheer, Ponting was in two minds and was pushing his bat at it but holds back very late and lets Dhoni take it

24.4 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, angled across, Ponting lunges forward and lifts the bat over his head

24.3 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, 1 run, slanted in and on the middle and leg, Michael Hussey taps it in front of square leg and takes the sharp single

24.2 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, banged in short by Zaheer, surprised Michael Hussey a bit but he goes for the pull, does not time it too well but gets it in the vacant mid on area for a couple

22.6 Zaheer to Ponting, 1 run, very straight in line, Ponting taps it in front of square leg for a single to retain strike

22.5 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, 1 run, slightly shorter and outside off, Michael Hussey stays back and cuts it past point for one

22.4 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, full and on the off, Michael Hussey turns it to mid wicket now

22.3 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, and there is one more, kicking up from a good length, and nipping away just enough to go past the bat and the outside edge

22.2 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, Zaheer has been very unlucky not to get a wicket today, another one goes past the bat, nipping away just a bit outside off and the tentative prod from Hussey is beaten

22.1 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, good length and just outside off, Michael Hussey stands back and blocks it

Zaheer Khan [7.0-1-19-0] is back into the attack

21.6 Ashwin to Ponting, 2 runs, on the middle and leg, Ponting turns it down to fine leg for a couple

21.5 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, no shot offered by Ponting as he strides forward and pads it away, loud appeal turned down

21.4 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, slower through the air now, Michael Hussey skips down the track and pushes it in front of mid on for a quick single

21.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, flat again and on the off, Michael Hussey leans forward to block once more

21.2 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, flat and full on the off from round the wicket, Michael Hussey defends it well

21.1 Ashwin to Ponting, 3 runs, a rank bad ball from Ashwin, the carrom ball goes awry, very short, Ponting has a lot of time to go back and slap it square on the offside

20.6 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, the short delivery now from round the wicket, has Michael Hussey ducking under it

20.5 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, full again and well outside off, no shot offered

20.4 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, Ishant continues to keep it full and outside off, Michael Hussey shoulders arms

20.3 Ishant to Michael Hussey, no run, Ishant comes in from round the wicket now and keeps it just outside off, solidly defended

20.2 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, pitched up again, Ponting leans forward and taps it in front of point for a quick single, good running

20.1 Ishant to Ponting, no run, on the shorter side, Ponting stands tall in the crease and punches it to point

20.1 Ishant to Ponting, no ball, Ishant oversteps but a good ball, nipping in from outside off and causing a few problems to Ponting as he tries to defend

19.6 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, turning away once more and short too, Michael Hussey finds point with the cut once more

19.5 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, slightly short, allows Michael Hussey to get back and cut but straight to the fielder at point

19.3 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, no run, full and outside off, Michael Hussey leans forward and taps it to silly point

19.2 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, on the middle and leg, easily worked in the mid wicket area for one more

19.1 Ashwin to Michael Hussey, 1 run, tossed up from round the wicket, Michael Hussey taps it in front of cover and takes a quick single

Ravichandran Ashwin, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

18.6 Ishant to Ponting, no run, pitched up again but well outside off, moving away off the track too but does not make him play

18.5 Ishant to Ponting, no run, just outside off again, Ponting continues to leave

18.4 Ishant to Ponting, no run, good length and outside off, Ponting watches it well and leaves it

18.3 Ishant to Ponting, no run, chance for a run out but Ashwin, at mid on, slips as he gather the ball, Ponting had pushed it wide of Ashwin and was initially looking for the quick single but sends Michael Hussey back even as he was sprinting down, could have been close if Ashwin was on his feet to release the throw

18.2 Ishant to Ponting, no run, good length and just outside off, Ponting stays back and guides it to point

18.1 Ishant to Ponting, FOUR, pitched up by Ishant and Ponting drives it very well down the ground, Ishant cannot get down in time to stop it and it races to the fence, top shot

17.6 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up now and outside off, Michael Hussey leans forward and pushes it to cover

17.5 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, FOUR, some width outside off, Michael Hussey leans back and cuts it nicely through the vacant gully area for a boundary, he is looking very positive today

17.4 Zaheer to Ponting, 3 runs, full and on the leg, Ponting flicks it firmly through mid wicket and the duo run well to pick three for it

17.3 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, pitched up but no real swing, Ponting leans forward and drives but straight to the fielder at mid off

17.2 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, good length and just outside off, Ponting gets behind the line and blocks

17.1 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, very good shout from Zak but turned down, looked very close, slanted in from round the wicket, Ponting strides forward and is struck on the pads, the umpire probably thought that it was striking him outside off, little else in doubt about that one

12.6 Ishant to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, full and on the leg, Michael Hussey clips it in the vacant mid wicket area and gets off the mark with three

Michael Hussey, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Drinks are on the field now

12.5 Ishant to Michael Clarke, out Bowled!! Ishant joins the party, another superb delivery, nipping in from a good length, Michael Clarke pushes at it but leaves a big gap between the bat and pad, the ball takes the inside edge and goes through that gap and crashes into the stumps, the pacers are all over Australia now with some good sustained bowling, excellent stuff. Michael Clarke b Ishant 1(4)

Ishant to Michael Clarke, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

12.4 Ishant to Michael Clarke, no run, short of length and outside off, good bounce once more but does not make Michael Clarke play, left alone

12.3 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, too short from Ishant and outside off, Ponting stands tall and cuts it past point for an easy single

12.2 Ishant to Ponting, no run, good line again from Ishant, just outside off and nipping in, kicks up after pitching and surprises Dhoni with the pace at which it came to him

12.1 Ishant to Ponting, no run, full and outside off, makes Ponting stretch forward as he pushes it to cover

11.6 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 1 run, a nice yorker from Umesh Yadav but Ponting plays it well, digs it out in the vacant mid wicket area and takes a quick single to retain strike

11.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, 1 run, slanted in and on the middle and leg again, Michael Clarke tucks it down to fine leg and gets off the mark

11.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, short of length and down the legside, Michael Clarke misses the flick

Michael Clarke, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11.3 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, out Bowled!! Umesh Yadav gets the first three in the second innings too, excellent show from the young man, nicely pitched up and outside off, Shaun Marsh chases it and much like Warner only manages to drag it on, he will be very disappointed with himself after playing that but Umesh is delighted, has got the Indian contingent at the MCG bellowing to the hilt now and Australia in some trouble. Shaun Marsh b Umesh Yadav 3(11)

Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

11.2 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, very good line again, just outside off, Shaun Marsh leaves it sensibly

11.1 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Shaun Marsh leans forward and leaves it

10.6 Ishant to Ponting, no run, short of length and outside off, Ponting leaves it easily

10.5 Ishant to Ponting, no run, beaten, very good delivery from Ishant, kicks up from a good length and Ponting is was clearly surprised by the extra bounce, very close to the outside edge too, Ponting walks down the track and has a few words with Ishant after that, looked like harmless banter

10.4 Ishant to Ponting, no run, short of length again and outside off, nipping in a touch, Ponting covers the line well and shoulders arms

10.3 Ishant to Ponting, no run, slightly fuller and well outside off, Ponting leaves it easily

10.2 Ishant to Ponting, no run, short of length again and well outside off, Ponting gets nicely on top of it and guides it to point

10.1 Ishant to Ponting, FOUR, a loosener from Ishant, short and no real pace on it, Ponting stands tall and punches it nicely to the cover fence, that should boost his confidence

Ishant Sharma, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

9.6 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, very full and outside off, Shaun Marsh chases it but mistimes the drive to mid off

9.5 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, another short one but not on target this time, well outside off and Shaun Marsh leaves it easily

9.4 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, Umesh Yadav is varying the length quite intelligently, Shaun Marsh could not evade this short one, pacy too and is hit on the body, good bowling this from the young man

9.3 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, very full and swinging in, Shaun Marsh manages to jam it out

9.2 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, Shaun Marsh shoulders arms this time to one coming in, muted appeal this time turned down, this was too high though, good decision from Marais Erasmus

9.1 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, short of length and climbing up, hits Shaun Marsh high on the bat and lobs up dangerously in front of point, too far ahead of Kohli though and luckily for Shaun Marsh he cannot get to it

8.6 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, another play and a miss, Zak is in the midst of a terrific spell here, full and angled across, Ponting lunges forward and pokes at it but is beaten comprehensively

8.5 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, straighter in line this time, Ponting gets a soft leading edge back to the bowler, was squared up a bit as he played it

8.4 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, loud shout this time as Ponting is beaten comprehensively by the one angled across, Ponting hit his boots with the bat as the ball passed it, the sound interested Zak but the umpire turns it down immediately and rightly so

8.3 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, good length and just outside off, Ponting taps it softly towards cover

8.2 Zaheer to Ponting, 2 runs, outside off, Ponting eases it past gully and down to third man for a couple

8.1 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, pitching outside leg now and Ponting misses the flick, is struck on the thigh

The replays from the ball tracker for the Cowan dismissal shows, rather surprisingly, that it was missing off. Not too sure about that.

8.1 Zaheer to Ponting, wide, banged in short by Zaheer, too short and is called a wide for the height

7.6 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Ponting turns it down to fine leg and gets off the mark

7.4 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, out Lbw!! Plumb! Ed Cowan showed great judgement while leaving deliveries in the first innings but this time he makes a big mistake, this was full and pitching on off, came back in too and struck him on the pads as he shoulders arms, would have crashed into middle and off, Umesh Yadav continues to impress, Australia in a spot of bother now. Ed Cowan lbw b Umesh Yadav 8(17) [4s-1]

Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

7.3 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, 3 runs, pitched up, Shaun Marsh leans forward and drives it well through cover, the fielder dives over it and they do well to take three for it

7.2 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, full and wide outside off, just a nice sighter for Shaun Marsh, left alone

Shaun Marsh, left handed bat, comes to the crease

7.1 Umesh Yadav to Warner, out Bowled!! Umesh Yadav gets the breakthrough this time too, very poor shot from Warner, he was being restricted and chases a wide one as a result, no footwork though and only manages to chop it onto the stumps, just the start India wanted. Warner b Umesh Yadav 5(27)

6.5 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, on the middle and leg, Ed Cowan turns it down to fine leg and comes back for an easy second

6.4 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, pushed wide outside off, Ed Cowan is not tempted to go after it, left alone

6.3 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, Zak continues to move it away quite alarmingly, Ed Cowan does not push at it even though he was beaten by the movement

6.2 Zaheer to Warner, 1 run, full and angled in, Warner turns it wide of mid wicket and Ashwin dives across and gets a hand to it but cannot prevent the single

6.1 Zaheer to Warner, no run, just short of length and outside off, Warner stands tall and punches it to cover

5.6 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, nice and full, very straight too, Ed Cowan drives it firmly down the track and is stopped well by Umesh Yadav on his follow through

5.5 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted across, no shot offered this time by Ed Cowan

5.4 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, FOUR, both the batsmen have not been convincing with the pull so far, top edge from Ed Cowan this time, was hurried into the stroke and luckily for him it goes over the slip cordon and into the boundary

5.3 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, very straight in line, Ed Cowan stays back and turns it to square leg

5.2 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and on the off, Ed Cowan stays back and blocks it

5.1 Umesh Yadav to Warner, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Warner taps it in the mid wicket area for a quick single

4.6 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, loud appeal turned down, looked very close at first sight, full and nipping in, need replays to confirm why it was turned down, an inside edge could have saved him, that seems to be the general conclusion too between the umpire and Zak

4.5 Zaheer to Warner, 1 run, just outside off, Warner taps it just wide of Gambhir at backward point and calls for the quick single, Ed Cowan responds well and they make it with ease

4.3 Zaheer to Warner, no run, edged but it does not carry, very good line again from Zak, Warner is caught in the crease as he pokes at it but the healthy edge does not carry to Laxman at second slip, falls just short of him

4.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, slanted in again, much fuller too, Warner gets it in the inside half of the bat and it rolls to mid wicket

4.1 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Zaheer slides down the legside this time, was trying to slant it in but loses his line

3.6 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length but well outside off, easily left alone by Cowan

3.3 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, Umesh Yadav drifts onto the pads and it is easily tucked down to fine leg by Ed Cowan, off the mark with a couple

3.2 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted across Ed Cowan, good line but Ed Cowan offers no shot

3.1 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and just outside off, Ed Cowan stays back and pushes it to cover

Cowan on strike for the first time this innings.

2.6 Zaheer to Warner, no run, full again and just outside off, Warner stays back and pushes it to mid on

2.5 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Zaheer probes away in the corridor just outside off, Warner gets away from the line and lets it go once more

2.4 Zaheer to Warner, no run, nicely pitched up and on the off, Warner stays in the crease and defends it watchfully

2.3 Zaheer to Warner, no run, well outside off again, Warner watches it well and shoulders arms

2.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Jaffa! Moving away sharply off the track, Warner does well not to poke at it, kept his bat close to the body and lets it go

2.1 Zaheer to Warner, no run, good length and moving away just a touch outside off, Warner presses forward but does not push at it, allows Dhoni to take it

1.6 Umesh Yadav to Warner, 1 run, just outside off, Warner gets back and taps it wide of point for a single, retains strike once more

1.5 Umesh Yadav to Warner, no run, the short delivery now from Umesh Yadav, Warner tries the pull but it is late on it, hits his stomach and lobs off the back of the bat in front of slips, was dismissed trying a similar stroke of Umesh in the first innings too

1.4 Umesh Yadav to Warner, no run, just outside off again, Warner pushes it back to Umesh Yadav from the crease

1.3 Umesh Yadav to Warner, no run, very similar to the previous delivery, Warner taps it towards cover

1.2 Umesh Yadav to Warner, no run, good length and just outside off, Warner gets behind the line and blocks it well

1.1 Umesh Yadav to Warner, no run, very full and wide outside off from Umesh Yadav, Warner goes after it and punches it straight to the fielder at cover

Umesh Yadav, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Zaheer to Warner, 1 run, slanted in once more, Warner works it off his pads and down to fine leg to get off the mark, retains strike too

0.5 Zaheer to Warner, no run, big movement in this time and Warner is cut in half, goes between the bat and pad

0.4 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Zaheer tries to angle this one in, Warner manages to get the bat in front of the pad and turns it to mid wicket

0.3 Zaheer to Warner, no run, this one moves quite a bit off the track but again too far outside off, does not make Warner play

0.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, further outside off now, no shot offered this time by Warner

0.1 Zaheer to Warner, no run, very good start for Zak, goes past the bat straightaway, just outside off and a hint of movement away, Warner pokes at it but misses

Warner and Ed Cowan are at the crease. Warner is on strike. Zaheer will open the attack

That will be lunch as well on day 3. 7/68 today for the Aussies and they have bossed the game. India have let slip the advantage. Hilf started the slide by bowling Dravid 2nd ball and none hung in there. Hilf richly deserved his maiden five-fer. The other Aussie seamers played their part too. Ashwin and Umesh Yadav did their bit, but India need their bowlers to come to the party. Chasing on the fourth innings at the 'G' is always a tricky proposition and India wouldn't want to get into danger territory. Australia will be looking to ram home the advantage though. Do join us for the post-lunch session in a bit.

94.1 Siddle to Ashwin, out Caught by Haddin!! End of the Indian innings. Australia grab a vital lead of 51. The corridor of uncertainty doing the trick for Siddle. Full and in the zone, Ashwin came forward to defend and the ball kissed the edge through to Haddin who takes his 4th catch of the day. He has had a field day. Ashwin though has played a handy knock. Ashwin c Haddin b Siddle 31(35) [4s-3 6s-1]

Siddle to Ashwin, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

93.6 Hilfenhaus to Umesh Yadav, no run, full and on off, Umesh Yadav blocks. The Indian crowd cheer.

93.5 Hilfenhaus to Umesh Yadav, no run, Umesh Yadav is defending confidently and keeps the short of length delivery on the stumps out

93.4 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, 1 run, pulls the short delivery down and gets it down to deep square leg. Takes the single

93.3 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, FOUR, he was trying to play that shot off the previous delivery and missed. Now he has connected and beautifully. Full and wide outside off, Ashwin steers with an open face and the ball zips off the turf, beating deep backward point easily. Useful runs for India

93.2 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, Hilfenhaus pushes it further outside off on a fuller length and Ashwin reaches out, trying to steer and misses

93.1 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, cuts to deep backward point and immediately refuses the single

If you are wondering why players haven't taken lunch - According to the new rules, play can be extended and that is why lunch hasn't been taken at 7:00 IST. Hilf to continue.

92.6 Siddle to Umesh Yadav, no run, Umesh Yadav shuffles across a tad and pushes the ball on the stumps towards the bowler. Well done

92.5 Siddle to Umesh Yadav, no run, too good for Umesh Yadav. Straightened outside off, Umesh Yadav was playing for the in-swinger and was beaten by miles.

92.4 Siddle to Umesh Yadav, no run, there is that Umesh Yadav leave. Sees the back of a length delivery outside off and then pulls out the bat at the last instant

92.3 Siddle to Umesh Yadav, no run, Umesh Yadav comes on the frontfoot and defends a full delivery on the stumps

92.2 Siddle to Ashwin, 1 run, short and wide outside off, Ashwin cuts to deep backward point and takes the single this time

92.1 Siddle to Ashwin, 2 runs, Ashwin takes an easy couple as he flicks a middle stump ball down to deep mid wicket. Takes on the fielder and makes it easily

Peter Siddle [20.0-2-60-2] is back into the attack

91.6 Hilfenhaus to Umesh Yadav, no run, he does so. Full and on off, Umesh Yadav pushes forward and keeps it out

91.5 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, 1 run, arches back and steers it to deep point. Ganguly on air calls that poor captaincy and I agree. Umesh Yadav has to survive one ball

91.4 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, pulls from outside off and it bounces on the way to Cowan at deep mid wicket. They don't take the single

91.3 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, blocks off the frontfoot and asks Umesh Yadav to wait as he sees the fielder coming in

91.2 Hilfenhaus to Umesh Yadav, 1 run, Umesh Yadav defends with an open face wide of gully and takes the single. That is good news for India

91.1 Hilfenhaus to Umesh Yadav, no run, what a leave from Umesh Yadav. It was nipping back in from outside off, Umesh Yadav did a Courtney Walsh and left it with a swagger

90.6 James Pattinson to Ashwin, SIX, the top edged pull goes all the way. The short one down leg and Ashwin swivelled before pulling it. The top edge carried it all the way. Some cheer for the Indian crowd. 10 off the last two balls. Crucial runs these

90.5 James Pattinson to Ashwin, FOUR, Hilf fails to stop after sliding across at fine leg. James Pattinson isn't happy. It was down leg and Ashwin got inside the line to glance fine. Well played and he gets a boundary

90.4 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, 1 run, quick single is taken as Umesh Yadav dabs in front of cover and makes it as the fielder fails to hit direct. There was a bit of hesitation, but they took it eventually

90.3 James Pattinson to Umesh Yadav, no run, and again it doesn't carry to Ponting at 2nd slip. Umesh Yadav getting forward and the ball running off the edge. It isn't carrying even with the hard new ball. On the bounce once more

90.2 James Pattinson to Ashwin, 1 run, this time takes the single to sweeper cover. Will Umesh Yadav survive the rest of the over?

90.1 James Pattinson to Ashwin, no run, Ashwin punches from the crease to mid off. Refuses the single

89.6 Hilfenhaus to Umesh Yadav, no run, what was that? Umesh Yadav trying to slog out of MCG and missing. It was outside off and he didn't connect. Hilfenhaus looks on incredulously as Umesh Yadav manages a smile

89.5 Hilfenhaus to Umesh Yadav, no run, Umesh Yadav edges and it falls short of Ponting at 2nd slip. Tried to flick an off stump ball and the edge died on the way to Ponting who scooped it on the bounce

89.1 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, 1 run, Ashwin nearly ran Umesh Yadav out. He wasn't sure whether to take the single off the first ball or not. He decided to take and Umesh Yadav had to hurry to make it. The throw missed the stumps as well. Has a smile and a word with Umesh Yadav after that

Umesh Yadav, right handed bat, comes to the crease

88.6 James Pattinson to Zaheer, out Bowled!! Horror shot from Zaheer and India are crumbling. Zaheer was trying to slog everything and missed his wild swipe to a full and fast ball on off stump. Off stump takes a beating. Bad batting from such an experienced man. Zaheer b James Pattinson 4(6) [4s-1]

James Pattinson to Zaheer, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

88.5 James Pattinson to Zaheer, no run, straight off the thigh pad to Cowan at short leg. Cowan appealed for a bat pad, but Erasmus got it dead right. Replays confirmed the same.

88.4 James Pattinson to Ashwin, 1 run, my colleague Sid P calls it an idea shot, but I'm not convinced. Ashwin checked his shot and just softly dabbed it towards short mid wicket. Was in the air, but in no-mans land

88.3 James Pattinson to Ashwin, no run, full and on off, Ashwin comes on the frontfoot and defends

88.2 James Pattinson to Ashwin, no run, slips down leg. Pressure release ball that

88.1 James Pattinson to Ashwin, no run, lovely outswinger, left alone

87.6 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, the short one comes, but it is down leg, Zaheer ducks easily

87.5 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, calmly defends towards point

87.4 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, FOUR, edgy but Zaheer and India will take it. Zaheer backed away and his forcing shot produced the edge, but it went wide of the slip cordon. Ran away to the third man fence. Hilfenhaus can't believe that it hasn't gone to hand

87.3 Hilfenhaus to Zaheer, no run, short of length and outside off, Zaheer lets it go

Zaheer Khan, right handed bat, comes to the crease

87.2 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, out Caught by Haddin!! Maiden five-fer for Hilfenhaus. Ishant's tremendous resistance has ended. A very poor shot after all the hard work. Full and wide outside off, Ishant went for the booming drive and nicked it. Hilfenhaus has a huge smile on his face. Ishant walks off head down - he needn't for he has played brilliantly. Ishant c Haddin b Hilfenhaus 11(69)

86.6 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, if it is on the stumps, Ishant defends and he defends well

86.5 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, Ishant tries to run a full one down and misses. He need not play at those

86.4 James Pattinson to Ashwin, 1 run, another mistimed pull from Ashwin. The short ball was too quick for him and the edge didn't carry to mid wicket. Well wide of the man and they cross over

86.3 James Pattinson to Ashwin, no run, short of length delivery outside off, Ashwin steers to point

86.2 James Pattinson to Ashwin, no run, that is plumb but not given! Erasmus gets it wrong. Full and angled in, Ashwin was caught on the crease and struck in line. Erasmus didn't heed to the desperate pleas of James Pattinson and the replays showed that Ashwin was lucky. Would've gone to hit middle and leg. No wonder James Pattinson was so gutted.

86.1 James Pattinson to Ashwin, FOUR, Ashwin gets a boundary. Very streaky one as he drives and gets a thick outside edge through gully. It ran away quickly and raced away

85.6 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, full and outside off, Ishant sees it through to Haddin

85.5 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, Hilfenhaus attacks the stumps and Ishant defends with an open face to point

85.4 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, Ishant continues to defend solidly

85.3 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, 1 run, Ashwin nearly holed out there. Pulls and does not time it well. Just wide of the lurking fine leg fielder. On the bounce and Ashwin gets a stare from Hilfenhaus

85.2 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, pushed to cover from the crease and there is no single this time

85.1 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, 2 runs, Ashwin gets off the mark with a backfoot punch through cover. Warner chases it and keeps it to a couple

84.6 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, safely negotiated. The third maiden over in a row. Ishant leaving an outswinger alone

84.5 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, Ishant is doing well. Leaves one more rising back of a length delivery outside off alone

84.4 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, Ishant half plays and half leaves that. Way outside off and Ishant pulled out of the stroke at the last moment. Ishant's bat was nowhere near to the ball

84.3 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, wide of the crease and angled in on the ribs, Ishant rises tall to keep it down and away from short leg

84.2 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, Ishant opens the face of the bat and nearly gives Hussey at gully catching practice. On the bounce

84.1 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, full and on the stumps, Ishant plays a nice drive, but a diving stop at mid on keeps him on strike

83.6 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, stump to stump line from Hilfenhaus. Ashwin pushes to mid off

83.5 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, Ashwin defends awkwardly from the crease to off and then has a look at his bat. That kept a bit low

83.4 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, nice away swinger from Hilfenhaus. Pitches outside off and moves away, left alone

83.3 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, short of length delivery on off, Ashwin punches to mid off with a full face

83.2 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, and again. This time it is a leading edge as Ashwin is squared up by a ball on middle stump. The ball is in the air, but falls short of point. Nervous moments for Ashwin

83.1 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, a thick edge falls short of gully as Ashwin goes hard at one outside off

82.6 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, comes on the frontfoot and confidently blocks it back down the track

82.5 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, now the monster leg cutter. Ishant is expecting the short ball and is caught napping. This one moves away late off the pitch and Ishant is left fiddling at it. Luckily for India and Ishant - no edge

82.4 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, lovely ball. Quick back of a length delivery that comes back in a tad, Ishant looked to defend off the backfoot and is miles late. The ball whizzes past the edge. Haddin takes it well too

82.3 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, pushed off the backfoot towards point. Ishant is looking very comfortable

82.2 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, well left! Pacy short of length delivery outside off, Ishant shoulders arms

82.1 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, James Pattinson beats Ishant with one that is full and straightening outside off, Ishant drives and misses

James Pattinson [18.0-4-37-1] is back into the attack

81.6 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, Hilfenhaus goes outside off and beats Ashwin who had a limp poke away from the body. It seamed away and Ashwin was beaten comprehensively

81.5 Hilfenhaus to Ashwin, no run, Hilfenhaus hurls it short and it keeps on rising and Ashwin did well to sway out of the way. Just before this ball, Ashwin backed away as Hilfenhaus ran in and the bowler didn't like it. Gave him a mouthful and then this one to remind Ashwin who the boss is out there

Ravichandran Ashwin, right handed bat, comes to the crease

81.4 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, out Caught by Michael Hussey!! 4th for Hilfenhaus and Australia are looking at a significant lead now. Dhoni was looking to play aggressively, but this was a loose shot. Full and outside off, Dhoni drove and gave gully the simplest of catches. It went quickly to Hussey, who made it look simple. Dhoni c Michael Hussey b Hilfenhaus 6(8)

Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

81.3 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, Dhoni falls over and misses the flick to leg. Was going down leg though

81.2 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, super stop by Cowan at square leg. Dives to his right and saves some runs

81.1 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 2 runs, Dhoni is haring across to make that a couple. Glanced from leg stump line and by the time fine leg came around, he was back for the second. Excellently run

Hilf takes the new ball. Three slips in place for Mahendra Singh Dhoni. A crucial phase of play coming up now.

80.6 Siddle to Ishant, no run, Siddle attacks the stumps on a short of length and Ishant keeps it out yet again

80.5 Siddle to Ishant, no run, turns this to short leg. Direct hit at Ishant's end, but he has gone nowhere

80.4 Siddle to Ishant, no run, uncomfortably played. Siddle's plan is to attack Ishant with the short ones and that nearly paid off. Ishant got into an awkward tangle and nearly fended the rib high short ball straight up. Luckily for him it went in the air and fell short of point

80.3 Siddle to Ishant, no run, short one angled across Ishant who leaves comfortably

80.2 Siddle to Ishant, no run, beaten now as Siddle goes full and wide outside off, Ishant tries to drive and misses. No footwork that time as his feet were stuck to the crease

The second new ball is available, but Siddle hasn't taken it. They might take it soon though

80.1 Siddle to Ishant, no run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Ishant defends from the crease

80.1 Siddle to Ishant, no ball, Siddle goes round the wicket to Ishant and oversteps. Short ball on the stumps, ducked under by Ishant

79.6 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 2 runs, Siddle isn't happy that they didn't back the throw up. It was pushed off the frontfoot towards him and even as the Aussies were shouting 'easy easy' to him, he threw needlessly wide of Haddin and they take an extra run

79.5 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, 2 runs, stays low outside off, Dhoni shovels the bottom handed punch through cover for a couple. Played really late and is off the mark

79.4 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, gets it back on track. Right on the stumps, Dhoni lunges out to defend

79.3 Hilfenhaus to Dhoni, no run, Hilfenhaus bowls a wayward first ball to Dhoni. Way outside off, left alone

MS Dhoni, right handed bat, comes to the crease

With that wicket they have taken drinks as well.

79.2 Hilfenhaus to Virat Kohli, out Caught by Haddin!! Bad batting and Australia are on top. He has the tendency to play away from the body at times and he has done it again today. It was a regulation outside off ball, nothing great about that delivery. Virat Kohli went across to defend and edged it to Haddin. Big wicket that for Australia just before the new ball. Pressure on Mahendra Singh Dhoni now. Virat Kohli c Haddin b Hilfenhaus 11(21) [4s-1]

Hilfenhaus to Virat Kohli, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

79.1 Hilfenhaus to Virat Kohli, no run, Hilfenhaus comes back on and bowls a short of length delivery on off, Virat Kohli defends

Ben Hilfenhaus [18.0-4-53-2] is back into the attack

78.6 Siddle to Ishant, no run, Ganguly on air was saying that Ishant has to watch out for the full one and he does so. Guides a full one on off stump to the left of point where Warner dives and saves some runs

78.5 Siddle to Ishant, no run, brilliantly played by Ishant. The short one from Siddle. It is coming back in towards who Ishant drops everything in his wake and sways out of harms way. Terrific batting from Ishant

77.1 Lyon to Virat Kohli, 2 runs, Virat goes with that whip drive again, reaches out and drives a flighted delivery wide of sweeper cover for a couple

Round the wicket goes Lyon. Change of angle for him.

76.6 Siddle to Ishant, no run, good length and a good line from Siddle. Full and on off, Ishant shuffles across a tad and defends to point

76.5 Siddle to Ishant, no run, Siddle goes wide of the crease and looks for the off stump yorker. It is delivered outside off, Ishant tries to squeeze it out and run it down to third man. Fails to get bat on it

76.4 Siddle to Ishant, no run, now Ishant looks for the single and Lyon at mid on hares across to prevent that

76.3 Siddle to Virat Kohli, 1 run, that's a good single. Virat Kohli getting his frontfoot across and defending towards cover. Ishant is sharp and they complete it easily in the end

76.2 Siddle to Virat Kohli, no run, the sucker full delivery outside off, Virat Kohli doesn't fall for it and lets it go

76.1 Siddle to Virat Kohli, no run, banged in hard into the wicket, Virat Kohli rises tall to defend it back down the wicket

75.6 Lyon to Ishant, no run, Ishant lunges out and defends a full delivery on off stump

75.5 Lyon to Virat Kohli, 1 run, to mid on, full and on the stumps, Virat Kohli whips it to the left of mid on and takes a quick single

75.4 Lyon to Virat Kohli, no run, comes on the frontfoot and drives to cover

75.3 Lyon to Virat Kohli, no run, goes on the backfoot and defends now

75.2 Lyon to Virat Kohli, FOUR, superb shot to get off the mark. Gets a good stride forward and goes against the spin through cover. Whip drive that Virat Kohli plays so well. The ball raced away to the fence. Lovely timing on that too

75.1 Lyon to Virat Kohli, no run, Virat Kohli gets forward to defend with an open face towards point

74.6 Siddle to Ishant, no run, well bowled and excellently played by Ishant. Sharp short delivery that comes back in. It was heading for his chest, but Ishant swayed out of line and then let it go. He kept his eyes on that till the last moment

74.5 Siddle to Ishant, no run, Ishant is looking to defend anything on the stumps with an open face. He does so, getting it down to gully

74.4 Siddle to Ishant, no run, Ishant defends awkwardly towards cover and takes a couple of steps out looking for the single. Virat Kohli isn't interested.

74.3 Siddle to Ishant, 2 runs, good looking shot. Siddle goes full and on off stump, Ishant gets half forward and drives uppishly through cover for a confident couple

74.2 Siddle to Ishant, no run, good leave from Ishant. It was rising outside off and he shouldered arms

74.1 Siddle to Ishant, no run, hits him on the thigh. Sharp seam movement from Siddle. Nips back in from outside off and Ishant was late in defending it

Three slips and a gully for Siddle. A short leg and a backward short leg also in place for him as he runs in to Ishant

73.6 Lyon to Virat Kohli, no run, some overspin on that Lyon delivery. Virat Kohli was trying to close the face on that and turn it to leg, but in the end played it back down the track

73.5 Lyon to Virat Kohli, no run, Virat Kohli defends an off break from the crease

73.4 Lyon to Virat Kohli, no run, driven with a full face of the bat to cover

73.2 Lyon to Ishant, 3 runs, too much flight on that from Lyon. Ishant gets forward and drives nicely through cover. The ball slows up near the outfield and they take an easy three

A slip and a short leg in place for Lyon.

73.1 Lyon to Ishant, no run, Lyon comes on and bowls a tossed up delivery outside off, Ishant leans forward to drive to cover

Nathan Lyon [14.0-2-53-0] is back into the attack

Siddle gets a huge ovation from his home crowd at the end of the over

72.6 Siddle to Virat Kohli, no run, down leg and that is a wasted delivery from Siddle

72.5 Siddle to Virat Kohli, no run, Virat Kohli confidently defends his first ball off the frontfoot

Virat Kohli, right handed bat, comes to the crease

72.4 Siddle to Laxman, out Caught by Haddin!! Sid Vicious has struck. Lovely attacking bowling from Siddle. He has been the pick of the Aussies and he is getting the wickets. That perfect length - on or around off, draws Laxman forward into the defensive stroke and the edge is found. It was dying on Haddin, but he went to his right and got the gloves under it. That's a big blow for India - Laxman's record in Australia is amazing. Game on! Laxman c Haddin b Siddle 2(22)

Siddle to Laxman, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

72.3 Siddle to Laxman, no run, full ball on off, Laxman comes on the frontfoot and blocks

72.2 Siddle to Laxman, 2 runs, Laxman gets off the mark finally. A lovely looking punch drive straight down the ground. Past Siddle and the stumps at the non-strikers end. Good enough for a couple

72.1 Siddle to Laxman, no run, Laxman turns a middle and leg ball to mid wicket. Looks for the single, is not there

Peter Siddle [15.0-2-53-1] is back into the attack

71.6 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, much more confident block from Ishant. Getting right behind the line of that off stump ball

71.5 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, another beauty from Hilfenhaus. This one comes back in with the angle and it beat Ishant on the inside edge. Ishant didn't cover the line and the ball kept on coming in. He played from the crease and was lucky that it missed his bat

71.4 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, beaten! Full and outside off, Ishant went for a loose drive and didn't connect. Not far away from the outside edge

71.3 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Ishant is solid in defence

71.2 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, short of length delivery on off, Ishant opens the face of the bat to steer to point

71.1 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, flicked straight into the helmet of Cowan at short leg. Ishant shows some concern and walks up to Cowan to check if he is fine. He is and play will continue. That was flicked powerfully and hit Cowan flush on the grill.

70.6 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, seam movement for James Pattinson. But it pitched outside off and then moved in after Laxman had shouldered arms. Nice carry through to Haddin

70.5 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, loose frail. Laxman going after a short of length delivery outside off and missing the cut. Didn't go after it wholeheartedly as well. Lucky that he didn't nick it

70.4 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, Laxman stays beside the line and steers to point. Still can't get off the mark

70.3 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, bouncer from James Pattinson. Doesn't rise that high and Laxman ducks under it

70.2 James Pattinson to Ishant, 1 run, full and angling in on middle and leg, Ishant gets an inside edge onto the pads as he tries to flick, wide of backward short leg and now Laxman is on strike

70.1 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, falls short of third slip. Ishant opening the face again and luckily for him it didn't carry. On the bounce to the fielder

69.6 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, 1 run, nice looking backfoot punch, Ishant using his height and depth of the crease to get it wide of cover

69.5 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, short of length delivery on off, Ishant defends from the crease

69.4 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, Ishant opens the face of the bat and runs it down to the left of gully - where Michael Hussey dives and saves some runs

69.3 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, 2 runs, nice looking push off the frontfoot, Ishant getting a nice stride forward. Mid on chases after it and they take a couple

69.2 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, drifts down leg, Ishant tries to turn it to leg. Fails to make contact. Rolls off the thigh pad to short leg

69.1 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, harmless short delivery outside off, left alone

68.6 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, much more confident block from Laxman. Standing tall on his toes and blocking it to the ground. He continues to be on 0

68.5 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, this is good bowling from James Pattinson. Laxman played slightly outside the line of the inswinger and inside edged it onto his right leg. The ball rolls to short leg. Laxman didn't know where the ball was and was searching for it

68.4 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, full and wide outside off, left alone

68.3 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, back to defence from Laxman

68.2 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, a loud shout for caught behind. A tiny sound as the ball passed the edge, but that was just a wrong perception. No edge as Laxman poked at one outside off and missed. He played inside the line and the ball just missed the edge. Haddin just about collects it as it was dying on him. Good call from the umpire

68.1 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, Laxman gets right behind the line of the short of length delivery on off stump to defend

67.6 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, this has been an easy over for Ishant to negotiate. Hilfenhaus bowls full and outside off, Ishant leaves

67.5 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, the second successive short ball and again it is ill-directed. Ishant hops across and leaves the outside off offering alone

67.4 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, the short one arrives from Hilfenhaus. But it is outside off and Ishant dropped his wrists well to sway out of the line

67.3 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, Ishant is slightly squared up, but manages to keep the defensive shot off the backfoot down to point

67.1 Hilfenhaus to Ishant, no run, Ishant lunges forward and checks his forward defensive back to Hilfenhaus

66.6 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, James Pattinson finishes with a bouncer. Laxman ducks under it easily

66.5 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, James Pattinson goes full and wide outside off, Laxman shoulders arms

66.4 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, James Pattinson is hitting the deck hard, but Laxman's backfoot defence is compact. Easing it to point

66.3 James Pattinson to Laxman, no run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Laxman is getting his eye in, defends off the backfoot

Rahul Dravid dismissal: Dravid's footwork was a bit slow and he played inside the line. The ball seamed in and then straightened past the edge to knock back off stump.

66.2 James Pattinson to Ishant, 1 run, in the air, but well wide of short leg. Full and angling in towards middle and leg, Ishant flicks airily and is lucky that there is no one to catch behind square

66.1 James Pattinson to Ishant, no run, loosener from James Pattinson - length delivery on the stumps, Ishant defends easily from the crease

James Pattinson [15.0-3-35-1] is back into the attack

65.6 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, fine maiden wicket for Hilfenhaus. Back of a length outside off, Laxman defends with an open face towards point. End of a fab over from Hilfenhaus

65.5 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, short of length delivery outside off, Laxman gets right behind the line to defend

65.4 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, full and on the stumps, on driven wristily straight to the fielder at mid on

65.3 Hilfenhaus to Laxman, no run, good one first up to Laxman as well. Late swing for Hilfenhaus. Right on the stumps, Laxman defends well from the crease

VVS Laxman, right handed bat, comes to the crease

65.2 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, out Bowled!! Hammer blow for India. What a ball from Hilf. The crowd roar and roar. An absolute peach from Hilfenhaus. No no-ball this time. It pitched on off, straightened and snuck past the edge of Dravid. Dravid was lunging forward to cover the line, but couldn't negotiate for the straightening. That's a dream ball for anyone and one that the batsmen dread early on. Dravid b Hilfenhaus 68(187) [4s-6]

Hilfenhaus to Dravid, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

65.1 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, a hint of inswing for Hilfenhaus, starts from off and middle, Dravid turns it to leg

The players walk out. Dravid will have strike. He is still there and that is a vital thing for India. Ishant is at the other end. Hilf will start on day 3. All set for play. Here we go.

Siddle: Everyone I speak to says well done for getting Sachin Tendulkar out, but I certainly have made a few enemies yesterday. Good confidence getting Tendulkar out and it was a nice way to finish the day. I feel fit and strong at the moment, the no-ball dismissal pumped me up and gave me the confidence to get Sachin out. We have to work hard this morning, get a couple of wickets with the old ball and then attack with the new one. Still enough in there for the bowlers. The new ball is the key.

Pitch report: Day 3 is usually the best day for batting at the MCG reckons Ian Chappell. The sun is out and that should help the batters. All is not lost for the bowlers though - slight wear and tear on the wicket gives them a chance if they plug away. Still there are patches on the grass left on the pitch.

Good morning! Day 3 of this engrossing test and we are all set for the action in a short while from now. India suffered a jolt losing Sachin late in the day, but they still have a lot of batting to come. Australia will come hard at them early on and with the new ball looming, it should be a testing phase of play for the Indians. Will they battle it out and get a significant lead or will the Aussies run through? Do stay tuned to know what happens.

Another riveting day of Test cricket. Both teams shared the honors yesterday, but today has been India's day. Siddle and Haddin resumed today looking to extend their stand, but Zaheer and Ashwin finished off the tail a few overs before lunch. Later, it was a Sehwag show as he unleashed a wide array of his trademark strokes. For quite sometime the Aussies looked flustered. But Pattinson managed to get him out. It brought in Sachin and Dravid and together they put on a classy partnership of 117. Clarke did some weird things, brought on Warner and Hussey in the bowling attack, but nothing could separate the two. In the end, it was left to a fiery Siddle, pumped up by a no-ball dismissal of Dravid, who got the little master out with a beauty in what was eventually the last over of the day. But this is not the Indian side of the 90s, India still have formidable batters left in the hut and Australia will have to play really well to keep them down. Join us at 5:00 AM tomorrow for the proceedings of Day 3. Till then, have a good day.

That's stumps! Two overs yet to go, but the umpires have decided to call it off. That essentialy means that Sachin got out in the last over of the day.

64.6 Siddle to Ishant, no run, back of a length delivery cutting in from outside off, well left by Ishant as it bounces over the off stump.

64.5 Siddle to Ishant, no run, short of length delivery outside off, Ishant has no clue about that and looks to poke it, but somehow manages not to get the edge. Siddle's tail is up and his home crowd is right behind him

64.4 Siddle to Ishant, no run, starts off with a short of length delivery on middle, Ishant plays it with soft hands to the leg side. It bounces right in front of the short leg fielder

Ishant Sharma, right handed bat, comes to the crease

64.3 Siddle to Tendulkar, out Bowled!! Reward for some superb bowling. This time, he has placed his front leg well behind the popping crease. It was a fuller length delivery on the off stump, Tendulkar came forward to drive and the ball nipped in a shade to escape between bat and pad. That's what the coaches advise young bowlers, hit the top of off stump and that's exactly what Siddle has done. It has ended a brilliant knock from the little master and it needed an equally brilliant delivery to get him out. Tendulkar b Siddle 73(98) [4s-8 6s-1]

Siddle to Tendulkar, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

64.2 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, back of a length delivery nipping in from outside off, it whizzes past the wrists of Tendulkar who chooses to let it go through

64.1 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, bowls another fiery bouncer which pitches just outside off, Tendulkar sways away and lets it go through

63.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Dravid pushes it off the backfoot to cover.

63.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, this one is on a good length and on the off stump, Dravid gets on the front foot and blocks it.

63.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, fuller and straighter, Dravid covers the line of the ball and defends solidly.

63.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, LBW appeal. He is looking quite indecisive. On a good length and angling down the leg side, it hits Dravid's pads as he looks to flick. Pattinson appeals loudly, but the umpire is unmoved

63.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short and wide outside off, Dravid jumps up and dabs it in front of him.

63.1 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, 3 runs, fuller on the pads, Tendulkar flicks it wristily through the square leg region. By the time the fielder from square fine leg reaches the fence, the batsmen pick up a three

62.6 Siddle to Tendulkar, 1 run, good length delivery on the middle stump, Tendulkar is beaten by hint of an away movement, gets an outside edge which rolls in the gap between point and gully. Batsmen run a single

62.5 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Tendulkar looks to defend and leave the ball at the same time, gets an inside edge onto the pads.

62.4 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, back of a length delivery pitching about half a feet outside off, left alone by Tendulkar.

Ishant Sharma is padded up.

62.3 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, pitched up outside off, Tendulkar plays a glorious off drive to the right of mid off who dives to his right and prevents any run.

62.2 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, back of a length delivery nipping in from off stump, Tendulkar looks to fend it off, the ball hits his groin area and rolls to the off side.

62.1 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, full and straight on middle, Tendulkar drives it gently to mid off

61.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, fuller length delivery outside off, Dravid gets across and plays with an open face to Hussey at cover

61.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, good length delivery pitching way outside off, left alone by Dravid

61.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short of length delivery on the stumps, Dravid gets on his toes and plays it down with soft hands.

61.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, pitched up outside off, it tails in a bit, Dravid gets on the front foot and drives to cover

61.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, fuller length delivery on the middle stump, Dravid prods at it tentatively.

61.1 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, good length delivery angled on the pads, Dravid stays low and pushes it to the right of the bowler

James Pattinson [13.0-2-32-1] is back into the attack

60.6 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, good length delivery pitched outside off, Tendulkar gets forward and lets it go through to the keeper

60.5 Siddle to Dravid, 1 run, short of length off cutter on the body of Dravid, he jumps up and taps it to the leg side for a single

60.4 Siddle to Dravid, 2 runs, fuller length delivery on middle, Dravid flicks it wristily between mid on and midwicket for a couple.

60.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, beaten. On a good length and outside off, it nipped away just a hint, Dravid pokes at it away from the body and is beaten. Wry smile from Dravid

60.2 Siddle to Dravid, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Dravid stays in his crease and shoulders arms

60.1 Siddle to Dravid, no run, lets loose a fiery bouncer on the off stump, Dravid sways away. He is steaming away like those Industrial revolution engines

59.6 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, a touch shorter on the stumps, Tendulkar goes deep into his crease and defends it solidly

59.5 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, tossed up a bit outside off, Tendulkar gets on the front foot and blocks it

59.4 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, flatter delivery on middle, Tendulkar defends it to the leg side

59.3 Lyon to Tendulkar, FOUR, this is Vintage Sachin!! Loopy delivery outside off, Tendulkar crouches forward and lobs it gently over the mid off fielder. Catch it came the cry, but it was already headed for the long off boundary.

59.2 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, a touch short on the middle stump, Tendulkar defends it off the backfoot

59.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, floated up on middle, Tendulkar dabs it gently to the midwicket region

58.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, good length delivery on the middle stump, it nips back in and hits Dravid on the thigh as he comes forward to defend. He looks to be in some pain.

58.6 Siddle to Dravid, no ball, Bowled off a no ball. peach of a delivery from Siddle, it was fuller and on middle, Dravid came forward and looks to defend. It goes through the bat and pad, hits the inside edge and crashes into the stumps. But Siddle had overstepped. Erasmus had his doubts and referred it to the third umpire. His hunch was proved right, Siddle had overstepped by an inch

58.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, Dravid jumps up and drops it in front of him, good cricket by the bowler and batsman

58.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, fuller and a touch wider outside off, Dravid gets forward and dabs it to Hussey at gully

58.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, this one is pitched up outside off stump again, hints in a bit, Dravid once again shoulders arms

58.1 Siddle to Dravid, no run, starts his new spell with a really accurate yorker on off and middle, Dravid manages to dig it out to the leg side.

Peter Siddle [11.0-1-48-0] is back into the attack

57.6 Lyon to Dravid, 1 run, Lyon holds this one back a little, Dravid comes down the track and plays a crisp on drive just wide of Warner at mid on. Warner is alert enough and sends in a good throw, Sachin is just in. Risky single taken by the veterans.

57.5 Lyon to Dravid, no run, reaches out for a flighted delivery outside off, drives it to mid off.

57.4 Lyon to Dravid, no run, comes down the track and takes a tossed up delivery on the full, drives it straight to mid on

57.3 Lyon to Dravid, no run, a touch slower through the air outside off, Dravid gets forward and defends

57.2 Lyon to Dravid, no run, well tossed up on middle and off, Dravid drives it watchfully back to the bowler

57.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, Lyon drifts onto the pads, Tendulkar flicks it to fine leg for a single

The 100 run partnership between these two is up.

56.6 Warner to Tendulkar, 1 run, floated up outside off, Tendulkar drives it to cover for a single

56.5 Warner to Tendulkar, 2 runs, tossed up gently on middle, Tendulkar has had enough of it, he clears his front leg and attempts to flay it over midwicket, does not time it well. He manages to get it just above the mid on fielder

56.4 Warner to Tendulkar, no run, drives a fuller delivery to cover

56.3 Warner to Dravid, 1 run, another long hop on middle, Dravid is not in as generous a mood as his partner, pulls it to deep midwicket. He has not placed it well, gets only a single to get their 20th 100 run stand.

56.2 Warner to Tendulkar, 1 run, flatter on the stumps, Tendulkar pushes it to cover point region for a single

56.1 Warner to Tendulkar, no run, bowls a juicy full toss on the middle stump, Tendulkar defends it to cover

55.6 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, floated up outside off, Tendulkar takes it on the half volley and drives it to the cover region for another single. As harmless as a puppy, that's how Lyon's bowling is

55.5 Lyon to Dravid, 1 run, short and wide outside off, Dravid plays it immaculately to sweeper cover for a single

55.4 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, straighter delivery on the stumps, Tendulkar takes a step forward and plays this down to long on for a single

55.3 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, comes down the track and prods at a gentle delivery to the off side

55.2 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, this one is tossed up a bit too much outside off, Tendulkar stays in the crease and lets loose the booming drive, Shaun Marsh does well at cover to save some runs

55.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, flat and wide outside off, Tendulkar gets forward and defends it to short cover

54.6 Warner to Dravid, 2 runs, turn and bounce for Warner, but it's too wide outside off, Dravid makes room and punches it off the backfoot to deep extra cover for an easy couple.

54.5 Warner to Dravid, no run, flights this one up on the off stump with a grunt, Dravid plays it to point

54.4 Warner to Dravid, no run, short and spinning away, Dravid makes room and punches it to Ponting at cover

54.3 Warner to Tendulkar, 1 run, flat and short on middle, Tendulkar dabs it in front of midwicket and scampers across for a single

54.2 Warner to Tendulkar, no run, tossed up on middle, this one skids through, Tendulkar defends it to midwicket off the backfoot

54.1 Warner to Tendulkar, no run, starts off with a rank long hop on middle, Tendulkar attempts a pull, but it came on a bit too slowly, he misses it. It hits him on the body.

David Warner, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

53.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, floated up well outside off, Dravid moves his front foot across to the pitch of the ball and drives. The fielder at cover does well to dive to his left and prevents a single

53.5 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, flighted delivery on the pads, Tendulkar lets it turn into him and glances it to square leg for a single

53.3 Lyon to Dravid, 1 run, flatter outside off, Dravid flicks it wristily to the right of Warner at mid on. He does well and gets in a quick throw, but Sachin is well in

53.2 Lyon to Dravid, no run, tossed up on middle, Dravid takes a good stride forward and defends

53.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, Lyon goes around the wicket and floats this one on the stumps, Tendulkar comes on the front foot and pushes to square leg for a single

52.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, fuller delivery, this time pitched outside off, Dravid comes on the front foot and shoulders arms

52.5 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, back of a length delivery on middle and leg, Dravid stays on the backfoot and defends it

52.4 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, Hilfenhaus deliveres a bouncer on middle, Dravid ducks under it.

52.3 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, 1 run, Hilfenhaus strays on the pads, Tendulkar tucks it to square leg for a single

52.2 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Tendulkar gets forward and defends it

52.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, FOUR, Another very well executed upper cut from Tendulkar, some width and he was down on his haunches to get it over the slip cordon, nicely done

51.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, floated up and on the off, Dravid lunges forward and defends it well

51.5 Lyon to Dravid, no run, on the middle and leg from round the wicket, Dravid taps it to short leg

51.4 Lyon to Dravid, no run, fuller, Dravid drives it to mid off now

51.3 Lyon to Dravid, no run, slightly shorter and outside off, Dravid backs away and punches it to cover, is in discomfort after playing it

Dravid is down on the ground now. He seems to be cramping up and is in considerable pain. He is grabbing his right calf muscle and the physio came out to have a look. He is back on his feet now and is ready to go. Still does not look fully fit and is having a lot of fluids too. Looks like he has to bat through the pain for sometime.

51.2 Lyon to Dravid, FOUR, a very good shot from Dravid, he plays that stroke very well indeed, slightly fuller and Dravid whips it superbly between midwicket and mid on, earns him a boundary

51.1 Lyon to Dravid, 2 runs, Dravid plonks his foot across and paddles this wide of fine leg for an easy couple

50.6 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, on the off, Tendulkar punches it straight to point

50.5 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length and on the off, Tendulkar stands tall and taps it to cover

50.4 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, on the fuller side and Tendulkar drives it firmly on the up but straight to the fielder at cover

50.3 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, on the off again from Hilfenhaus, Tendulkar is happy to block once more

50.2 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, very straight in line, watchfully blocked by Tendulkar

50.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, on the off, Tendulkar stays in the crease and punches it back to Hilfenhaus

49.6 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, full and Tendulkar pushes it down to long on and that brings out a loud roar at the MCG, gets to his 64th Test FIFTY and has looked in very good touch right through

49.5 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, turning in once more, Tendulkar gets across and taps it on the onside

49.4 Lyon to Dravid, 1 run, turning in from well outside off, Dravid backs away to cut it to point, placed deep, and gets an easy single

49.3 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, tossed up, Tendulkar skips down the track and pushes it down to long on for one

49.2 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, turning in from outside off, Tendulkar turns it to mid wicket once more

49.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, tossed up and outside off, Tendulkar reaches out and turns it to mid wicket

Nathan Lyon [8.0-2-32-0] is back into the attack

48.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, just outside off, Dravid stays back and blocks it on the offside

48.5 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, good length and outside off, Dravid offers no shot

48.4 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, FOUR, edged again but no second slip and gets Dravid his 63rd Test FIFTY, that milestone should give him some confidence, has been very scratchy after Tea

48.3 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, Edged but it does not carry, a super delivery from Hilfenhaus though, pitched on off and moved away late to square him up, the edge falls just short of Clarke at first slip

48.2 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, good length and just outside off, Dravid stays in the crease and blocks it on the offside

48.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, 1 run, very full from Hilfenhaus and on the leg, Tendulkar whips it down to fine leg for one

Ben Hilfenhaus [11.0-0-40-1] is back into the attack

Drinks are on the field now

47.6 Michael Hussey to Dravid, no run, nipping in now and Dravid gets an inside edge onto his pads, loud appeal from the slip cordon but it is turned down

46.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, full again, Dravid drives well once more but finds cover and that is adding to his frustration, most of his good shots have not found the gaps

46.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, pitched up and outside off, another uneasy push forward by Dravid, the bat turns in his hand as he goes for the drive, mistimes it to mid on

46.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, 2 runs, slanted in, Dravid tucks it off his pads and down to fine leg, comes back for the second

46.1 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, banged in short by James Pattinson and Dravid is quick to duck under it, that is to keep him on the backfoot I presume

45.6 Michael Hussey to Dravid, 1 run, outside off again and Dravid plays it in the point area once more for a single and retains the strike with that run

45.5 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, 1 run, a little shorter to Tendulkar and he cuts it to the same man on the fence square on the offside for one

45.4 Michael Hussey to Dravid, 1 run, pitched up again, Dravid drives it nicely square on the offside for one more

45.3 Michael Hussey to Dravid, no run, Dravid continues to be very twitchy, room outside off and Dravid slashes hard but misses

45.2 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, 1 run, slanting in, Tendulkar turns it in the mid wicket area and ambles across for one more

45.1 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, very straight, Tendulkar stays back and blocks it well

Michael Hussey [3.0-0-8-0] is back into the attack

44.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, slanted in once more and Dravid is hit on the pads again, going down the leg once more too but the young man has caused considerable problems for Dravid in this over, the crowd recognises it and gives him a deserved round of applause

44.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, pitched up, the feet are still not coming fully forward for Dravid but he manages to push it to mid off

44.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, James Pattinson is probing away with the deliveries nipping in, Dravid was in a little trouble again as he gets a thick inside edge onto his pads

44.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, just outside off, Dravid stays back and blocks it well

44.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, on the fuller side now and Dravid is caught, napping and in the crease, raps him on the thigh and was probably sliding down the legside

44.1 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short of length and just outside off, Dravid hops again and knocks it in front of point

43.6 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, turning in from outside off, Tendulkar stays in the crease and defends it after watching it closely

43.5 Lyon to Tendulkar, 2 runs, the slog sweep again from Tendulkar but this time deep square leg runs across and keeps them down to two

43.4 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, very full and outside off, Tendulkar squeezes it out to point

43.3 Lyon to Tendulkar, FOUR, Dravid had tried a similar stroke in the previous over and now Tendulkar goes for it and middles it too, very full and he slog sweeps it to the deep mid wicket fence

43.2 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, tossed up again and outside off, Tendulkar leans forward and taps it towards cover

43.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, floated up and on the off, Tendulkar pushes it back to Lyon

42.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short again but does not bounce as much as expected, Dravid cuts it well though but does not find the gap, straight to point

42.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, 2 runs, short of length and outside off, Dravid gets back and punches it through cover for a couple this time

42.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, good length and just outside off, Dravid taps it between cover and mid off and calls for the single but Sachin surprisingly refuses it

42.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, slanted in, Dravid leans forward and defends it

42.2 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, 3 runs, banged in short by James Pattinson and well outside off, Tendulkar cuts it wristily and over point, did not quite middle it and Warner manages to keep it inside the ropes with a terrific effort, Tendulkar picks three for it

42.1 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, good length and on the off, Tendulkar gets right behind the line and blocks it well

41.5 Lyon to Dravid, no run, pitched up again, Dravid drives it nicely this time but straight to the fielder at cover

41.4 Lyon to Dravid, no run, tossed up and outside off, Dravid comes on the frontfoot and blocks

41.3 Lyon to Dravid, 2 runs, Where did that come from? Dravid tries an ugly hoick over mid wicket, was not in a position to play it at all and gets an inside edge and picks up a couple, he seems to be under some pressure

41.2 Lyon to Dravid, no run, given some air and outside off, Dravid gets to the pitch of the delivery and pushes it down the track

41.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, Tendulkar turns it wide of mid wicket for a quick single

40.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, Siddle moves it away now but too far outside off to tempt Dravid into anything silly

40.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, kicking up steeply from just short of length and Dravid plays it equally well, jumps up and gets on top of it to keep it down

40.4 Siddle to Tendulkar, 1 run, on the fuller side and it draws Tendulkar forward and into the drive, gets a thickish outside edge and it flies between gully and the slip cordon, just a single

40.3 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, good length and well outside off, Tendulkar watches it into the keeper's gloves

40.2 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, pitched up, Tendulkar is quick to come on to the frontfoot and block it solidly

40.1 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, slanting in, Tendulkar turns it straight to the fielder at square leg

39.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, three in a row, no shot offered this time either by Dravid

39.5 Lyon to Dravid, no run, turning in from outside off, easily left alone once more

39.4 Lyon to Dravid, no run, well outside off, Dravid watches it well and shoulders arms

39.3 Lyon to Tendulkar, 1 run, given more air, Tendulkar skips down the track and pushes it wristily down to long on for just one

39.2 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, floated up, Tendulkar stretches forward and pushes it down the track

39.1 Lyon to Tendulkar, no run, turning down the legside, Tendulkar stays back and taps it on the onside

Nathan Lyon [5.0-2-22-0] is back into the attack

38.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, Dravid is playing a few loose strokes today, this one is another, full and wide outside off and he chases it, beaten comprehensively

38.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, short of length and on the middle and leg, Dravid hops in the crease and turns it to mid wicket

38.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, on the fuller side again, Dravid prods forward tentatively and pushes it to mid off

38.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, pitched up, Dravid drives nicely but loses balance as he finishes the stroke, stopped well at cover

38.2 Siddle to Dravid, FOUR, nipping in again and this time Dravid gets an inside edge, luckily for Dravid it goes well over the stumps and all the way to the boundary

38.1 Siddle to Dravid, no run, outside off and moving in, Dravid leaves and it goes very close to the off stump, not sure if he picked the one coming in

37.6 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, FOUR, Each one keeps getting better! The trademark cover drive earlier and now the glorious on drive, was there to be hit and Tendulkar gets it perfectly in the middle of the bat, mid on had no chance of stopping that one

37.5 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, slightly shorter, Tendulkar gets up on his toes and blocks it

37.4 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length and on the off, Tendulkar gets behind the line and taps it towards mid on

37.3 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, FOUR, Tendulkar has played a few good ones today but this one has to be the pick of the lot, the cliched 'everything was right about that one' has to be said, pitched up and outside off, he leans forward and is in very good balance as he drives it in the gap through cover, he is looking in fine touch

37.2 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, on the fuller side and on the off too, watchfully defended

37.1 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, outside off and moving away too, Tendulkar watches it into the keeper's gloves

36.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, pitched up by Siddle, Dravid did not come forward but nevertheless timed the drive very well, stopped well by Pattinson at mid off

36.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, short of length and outside off, no problems for Dravid as he sways away

36.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, short of length now and very straight, Dravid hops in the crease and keeps it down

36.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, fuller now and looked to be a little slower too, Dravid was lunging forward for the drive but was in position a little too early, the bat turns in the hand and it rolls to mid on

36.2 Siddle to Dravid, no run, still outside off and another leave by Dravid, hint of movement away too

36.1 Siddle to Dravid, no run, Siddle keeps it outside off again and Dravid wants nothing to do with it

35.6 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, on the off, pushed back to Hilfenhaus watchfully

35.5 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, short of length and just outside off, Tendulkar stays in the crease and pushes it to cover

35.4 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, FOUR, Tendulkar is dealing only in boundaries, this was a gift really, drifting down the legside and Tendulkar is not one to miss out, flicks it wide of fine leg and all the way to the boundary

35.3 Hilfenhaus to Tendulkar, no run, good length and just outside off, Tendulkar gets right behind the line and pushes it down the track

35.2 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, 1 run, on the middle and leg once more, Dravid whips it nicely down to deep backward square for one

35.1 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, very straight in line, Dravid knocks it towards mid wicket

Ben Hilfenhaus [9.0-0-27-1] is back into the attack

34.6 Siddle to Tendulkar, FOUR, nothing risky about this one, all class, slightly pitched up and Tendulkar is quick to stride forward and drive it sweetly through extra cover, top shot

34.5 Siddle to Tendulkar, FOUR, a little streaky this time but Tendulkar gets a boundary, short of length and Tendulkar guides it uppishly between gully and the slip cordon

34.4 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, excellent line and length, Tendulkar leaves it sensibly

34.3 Siddle to Dravid, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Dravid gets up on his toes and punches it through cover for one

34.2 Siddle to Dravid, no run, on the fuller side now, good change in length from Siddle but Dravid is up to it, gets a good stride forward and pushes it to mid off

34.1 Siddle to Dravid, no run, short of length and just outside off, Dravid sways away and lets the keeper take it

33.6 Michael Hussey to Dravid, 1 run, short and outside off, Dravid gets back and cuts it hard but there is man at deep backward point, just a single

33.5 Michael Hussey to Dravid, no run, slow cutter on the stumps, Dravid leans forward and blocks it down the track

33.4 Michael Hussey to Dravid, no run, outside off once more, no shot offered by Dravid

33.3 Michael Hussey to Dravid, no run, outside off again, Dravid prods forward and pushes it to point

33.2 Michael Hussey to Dravid, no run, full and outside off, Dravid lunges forward and blocks

33.1 Michael Hussey to Dravid, FOUR, no real pace and on the middle and leg, Dravid stands tall and whips it firmly to the deep mid wicket fence, has enough on it to trickle into the ropes

32.6 Siddle to Tendulkar, no run, pitched up by Siddle, tries the cutter but Tendulkar blocks it watchfully

32.5 Siddle to Dravid, 1 run, slanting in, Dravid turns it down to fine leg for an easy single

32.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, just outside off, Dravid plays it late and guides it to gully

32.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, slightly shorter and outside off, Dravid gets back and punches it to cover

32.2 Siddle to Dravid, no run, good length and on the off, Dravid continues to block solidly

32.1 Siddle to Dravid, no run, nipping in just a touch from outside off, Dravid stays in the crease and pushes it back to Siddle

31.6 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, very straight in line once more, some bounce too but comes slowly off the track, Tendulkar gets on top of it nicely and knocks it down wide of mid wicket

31.5 Michael Hussey to Dravid, 1 run, pitched up again, Dravid presses forward and eases it past cover for one

31.4 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, 1 run, slightly fuller from Michael Hussey and Tendulkar leans forward to guide it in the vacant area, square on the offside for an easy single

31.3 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, very straight again from Michael Hussey, Tendulkar watches it well and defends it on the onside

31.2 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, on the off now, Tendulkar gets back and behind the line to turn it to mid wicket

31.1 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, sliding down the legside now and Tendulkar misses the glance

Hussey continues.

30.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, very good length once more from Siddle but a little too far outside off, does not make Dravid play

30.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, Siddle goes wider of the crease now and angles it in, Dravid taps it towards point

30.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, nicely pitched up and a hint of movement in too but Dravid is solid as ever, gets forward and blocks it nicely with bat close to the pads

30.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, good length and just outside off, Dravid leaves it comfortaby

30.2 Siddle to Tendulkar, 3 runs, full now and on the middle and leg, Tendulkar whips it neatly past deep square leg for three

30.1 Siddle to Tendulkar, SIX, What a start! Short of length and some width outside off, Tendulkar gets under it nicely and upper cuts it over the slip cordon, gets it right in the sweet spot and it travels the distance, superb shot

Welcome back for the last session. Peter Siddle is ready to go and so are we.

Session highlights: 93 runs, 2 wickets. Gambhir fell early, but Sehwag and Dravid put on a good stand. Sehwag played as he always does - gave a few chances but generally looked good in the middle and went past his fifty. Dravid remained solid, but a terrific spell of pace bowling just before Tea got rid of Sehwag. Tendulkar has joined Dravid in the middle. An interesting passage of play awaits us. Join us in a while.

29.6 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, 1 run, straight delivery, Sachin works it to backward square leg and goes for Tea. Entertaining session that

29.5 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, almost gone! Full and straight, Tendulkar looks to flick but gets a thick inside edge, lobs off his pads but falls right between the bowler and short mid wicket. Nervous moments for Sachin Tendulkar the legend. Who would want to get out to Michael Hussey?

29.4 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, stump to stump and a bit of away movement, Tendulkar watches it carefully and defends to the on side

29.3 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, very full on the middle, almost on the blockhole, Tendulkar is happy to just block it. He is playing for Tea

29.2 Michael Hussey to Tendulkar, no run, full and outside off again, Sachin lets it go

28.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, stump to stump delivery, Dravid turns it to short leg

28.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short of length and moving away outside off, Dravid leaves

28.4 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, 1 run, full and straight from Pattinson, Tendulkar looks to drive but the feet isn't moving yet, gets a thick inside edge to backward square leg for one

28.3 James Pattinson to Tendulkar, no run, back of a length and angling in around off, Tendulkar shoulders arms

Sachin Tendulkar comes to the crease. I will not say anything more. He got a standing ovation from the crowd as he walked in. There is a big buzz around the stadium, very exciting to see.

28.2 James Pattinson to Sehwag, out Bowled!! Pattinson gets his reward. What a well deserved wicket that. Good length and just outside off, Sehwag goes for the drive without any foot movement - but that's how he plays - ends up getting a thick inside edge onto the middle stump. A vital wicket just before Tea, and Pattinson is overjoyed. Boy, he deserved that! And needless to say, the MCG goes wild too. Sehwag b James Pattinson 67(83) [4s-7]

James Pattinson to Sehwag, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

28.1 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, short and straight, Sehwag jumps and pushes it to the off side

27.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, another solid forward defence to end the over, good areas from Hilf but Dravid was up to the challenge this time

27.5 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, good length and on the off, keeps a bit low too but Dravid is solid in defence

27.4 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, 2 runs, short and very wide outside off, Dravid goes after it and cuts hard to point, where Warner misfields slightly and allows it to go through for a couple

27.3 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, short of length and outside off, Dravid looks to cut but can't get the timing right, mishits to cover

27.2 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, better from Dravid, gets his feet across and leaves it alone outside off

27.1 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, a huge appeal for caught behind this time! Once again the decision is not out. Very good bowling through, pitches on middle and straightens, cuts Dravid in half and goes through the gate to the keeper, once again it is a good decision - no edge there, and hot spot shows no edge too

26.6 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, superb short ball from James Pattinson has Sehwag in all sorts of trouble. Banged in right on his ribs, Sehwag has no idea and hops and tries to fend it away, somehow manages to keep it down to the off side, excellent over from Pattinson

26.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, 1 run, back of a length and angled in, he works it off his pads to backward square leg for one

26.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, beaten outside off once again. Dravid once again fishes in the corridor of uncertainty and misses, immediately lets out his frustration, he knows that he should have left it alone

26.3 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 1 run, back of a length and outside off, he goes back and pushes through cover for one

26.2 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, a HUGE HUGE appeal for a bat-pad catch but not given. Just listen to the boos from the crowd!! But sorry guys, it is a top decision for a change, from Erasmus. Absolutely no bat there, this was angled in on the body, Sehwag tries to keep it away but the ball thuds into his thigh pad and lobs to short leg. Pattinson can't believe it has been given not out, but it is a good decision

26.1 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, fullish outside off, Sehwag drives away from his body towards mid off

25.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, beauty from Hilfenhaus and there is a half-appeal from the keeper and the slip cordon. Not out though. Angles in and then straightens off the wicket, Dravid tries to block off the backfoot but plays down the wrong line and misses it, no edge there

25.4 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, short and rising on the off, Dravid stands tall and keeps it down to the off side

25.3 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, Dravid continues to leave outside off. I find them a bit risky, but he obviously knows better. This was just outside off but Dravid finds no reason to play those

25.2 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, short again but this one is on his ribs, Sehwag hops and gets some glove on it to short fine leg

25.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, short of length and on the off, he goes back and defends to point

24.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, beaten! Excellent ball. Once again in the corridor of uncertainty around off, this time Dravid is not too sure whether to leave or play and ends up fishing at it, the ball straightens after angling in and goes past his bat

24.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, good leave, once again nipping in off the seam but Dravid has his stumps covered and lets it go

24.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short and outside off, Dravid has nothing to do with those

24.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, fuller in length this time, Dravid gets forward and pushes it back to the bowler

24.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, wide, tries the short one but it goes way over the batsman's head, Erasmus signals wide

24.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, risky, risky leave. Pitches just outside off and nips in, it goes through very very close to the off stump as Dravid shoulders arms

24.1 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short and just outside off, Sehwag would have liked to cut it away but the batsman on strike is Dravid, who just lets it go

23.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, another one around off to end the over, Sehwag defends off the backfoot this time

23.5 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, better line and length to Sehwag, he gets forward and defends this straight one

23.4 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, tries the bouncer but it does not trouble Sehwag, who ducks easily

23.3 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 2 runs, Hilfy overcompensates by bowling on the pads, Sehwag glances it to fine leg and takes a couple more

23.2 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, FOUR, if you offer width, the ball will race to the fence. Typical Sehwag shot, goes hard after this short and wide one and cuts it away with disdain wide of gully

23.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, back of a length and on the off, he goes on the backfoot and blocks it

Ben Hilfenhaus [6.0-0-16-1] is back into the attack

22.6 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, full and outside off, Dravid will not get tempted, he will just leave those alone

22.5 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, should be pretty frustrating to run in hard, bowl at 145+ only to see a rock solid forward defence, have to sympathise with James Pattinson

22.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, short one that is angled in, doesn't rise too much but Dravid goes low and gets under it

22.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, stump to stump from Pattinson, Dravid comes on the frontfoot to defend

22.2 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 1 run, short and just outside off, not much width but he still flashes at it, ends up slicing it uppishly between slips and gully to third man

22.1 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, back of a length and on the off, Sehwag defends off the backfoot towards point

21.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, shouts of catch it, but he is safe. Looks to defend again but the ball turns in, goes off the inside edge through the vacant leg slip area

21.5 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flighted delivery on the middle and leg, Dravid gets forward to block

21.4 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flat and stump to stump, Dravid is hurried on the defensive shot but manages to keep it away

21.2 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flat and turning in, Dravid was shaping for the flick but sees that the ball has bounced a touch extra, adjusts his shot and pushes it away to the on side

21.1 Lyon to Dravid, no run, slow and loopy around middle, Dravid defends to the on side

20.6 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, good length and on the off, he gets half forward to defend

20.5 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, catch dropped by Haddin. The Australians are not holding on to the chances. This was a much easier chance too. Well bowled by Pattinson - keeps it full and makes Sehwag drive, it goes off the edge to the right of Haddin who dives too far and goes with one hand, he has dived so far that the ball hits his forearm and drops down.

20.4 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, beaten! Good areas around off, invites Sehwag forward and makes him push at it, hen nips away off the seam just a bit to beat his bat

20.3 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, stump to stump this time, Sehwag stays in the crease and defends

20.2 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 2 runs, back of a length and on the hip, Sehwag goes back and flicks it to deep backward square leg for a couple, Hilfy has to dive in the deep to save 2

20.1 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, starts the spell with a bouncer, Sehwag gets under it

James Pattinson [5.0-1-18-0] is back into the attack

19.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, some sanity to proceedings as Rahul Dravid defends off the frontfoot

19.5 Lyon to Sehwag, 1 run, almost caught! Was that a chance? A very very hard one maybe. Sehwag dances down the track and whips it uppishly, a lot of bottom hand on that shot as he hits it uppishly to long on, it flies low and keeps dipping on Warner who dives forward but can't hold on to a very tough, low chance

19.4 Lyon to Sehwag, FOUR, replay? No! He has done it again. Once again down the track, once again smashed over the bowler, but this time a lot straighter. There is a man at long on but does it matter?

19.3 Lyon to Sehwag, FOUR, gets to his FIFTY in style. Lyon shouts "CATCH" , but he has hit it hard and in the gap. COmes forward and smashes it in the air over the bowler, and wide of the man at mid off for a boundary

19.2 Lyon to Sehwag, 2 runs, well played against the spin, this was tossed up generously, Sehwag comes on the frontfoot and drives it to deep extra cover region for a couple more

19.1 Lyon to Sehwag, 2 runs, slowly turning in to his pads, Sehwag clips it softly to deep backward square leg, runs well to make it 2

18.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, back of a length and nipping away outside off, Dravid shoulders arms

18.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, Siddle goes short but Dravid handles it well, it rises sharply from the deck but Dravid stands tall and keeps it down to the pitch

18.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, there comes the forward defence, good length and on the off, Dravid leans forward to block

18.3 Siddle to Dravid, FOUR, thick outside edge runs through third man. I am missing Sunil Gavaskar here. He would have lamented about captains not having a fielder in the third man area, especially if India was the fielding side. Dravid looks to defend, and gets a thick edge that rolls through slip cordon to the fence

18.2 Siddle to Dravid, no run, in the zone outside off, Dravid will not play those

18.1 Siddle to Sehwag, 1 run, full and straight, Sehwag sees that the mid on is a bit deep and collects a single through that area

17.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flat through the air, Dravid comes on the frontfoot and blocks

17.5 Lyon to Dravid, no run, loopy and overpitched, Dravid gets forward and drives to mid off

17.4 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flat and outside off, Dravid covers the line and leaves

17.3 Lyon to Dravid, 2 runs, more flight but down the leg, Dravid helps it on its way to fine leg for 2 more

17.2 Lyon to Dravid, 2 runs, good shot, goes back deep in his crease and allows the ball to spin in, then plays a firm punch through covers for a couple

17.1 Lyon to Sehwag, 1 run, lots of turn! Spins in sharply from outside off, Sehwag defends from the crease and gets a thick inside edge to backward square leg

Drinks are on the field now. India have lost Gambhir but Dravid and Sehwag are doing the business in their own style. Sehwag has been aggressive, and Dravid has been solid. The wicket is good for batting and the duo will want to make good use of it.

16.6 Siddle to Dravid, no run, risky leave but they will call it well left. This one nips back in from outside off but Dravid trusts the bounce, the ball zips through just over the off stump as Dravid leaves

16.5 Siddle to Dravid, no run, and again. Which one is more perfect? I guess both. Good stride forward, high elbow, no gap between bat and pad.. what more to say?

Now Dravid walks away as Siddle runs in to bowl. Nothing behind the sight-screen, but the bail has gone down with the wind.

16.3 Siddle to Sehwag, 1 run, every now and then, Sehwag gives his fans some heart-attacks. Once again uppish, but safe. Looks to drive away this full one but the bat turns in his hands, ends up hitting uppishly but in gap through the covers

16.2 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, short of length and on the off, Sehwag stays back and defends

16.1 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, bangs it in short first ball, Sehwag ducks under it

15.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flat and turning in, Dravid stays back and turns it to the on side

15.5 Lyon to Sehwag, 1 run, Sehwag doesn't do what his former skipper wants, works it calmly off his pads to square leg for one

Lyon to Sehwag. Long on in place. "Over mid off", says Ganguly.

15.4 Lyon to Dravid, 1 run, loopy outside off, Dravid leans forward and pushes it to cover region for one

15.2 Lyon to Dravid, 2 runs, misfield by Ponting. This was flicked off the pads through mid wicket where Ricky lets it go through his legs, they get a couple of bonus runs

15.1 Lyon to Dravid, no run, almost a mix up but all is well, Dravid defends it to point and takes a couple of steps outside only to see his partner not interested, but he has enough time to come back

14.6 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, short of length and straight, Sehwag hops back and defends with a straight bat

14.5 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, short and on the body, goes off the thigh pad to square leg

14.4 Siddle to Sehwag, FOUR, not often do you describe a shot from Sehwag as cute, but there it is! Siddle holds back the length a bit, Sehwag allows it to come on and then opens the face of the bat, runs it along the ground between slips and gully to the third man fence

14.3 Siddle to Sehwag, FOUR, nobody is going to stop it this time! Overpitched once again but there is a bit of width outside off, enough for Sehwag to drive it away with disdain between cover and mid off, Sehwag runs into Siddle while running but apologises this time

14.2 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, full and fast on off, Sehwag gets half-forward and drives it to mid off where the fielder makes a diving stop to his left

Siddle runs in fast but has to stop midway because Sehwag isn't happy with something behind the sightscreen. The crowd isn't impressed

14.1 Siddle to Sehwag, 2 runs, edged, uppish and safe! Siddle has his hands on his head but Sehwag is still there. He looks to work it through the on side and gets a bit of a leading edge that goes uppishly between gully and point, they take 2

13.6 Lyon to Dravid, no run, Lyon starts with a maiden, Dravid ends the over with a firm drive straight to mid off

13.5 Lyon to Dravid, no run, floated around off, Dravid comes on the frontfoot and drives it hard but straight to the fielder at extra cover

13.4 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flat and outside off, Dravid lets it go

13.3 Lyon to Dravid, no run, another forward defence, Lyon flights well and keeps it tight, Dravid continues to defend

13.2 Lyon to Dravid, no run, flatter through the air, Dravid forward defends it

13.1 Lyon to Dravid, no run, tossed up on the off, Dravid gets forward and drives it to mid on

Spin for the first time. Should be fun.

Nathan Lyon, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

12.6 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, short of length and on the off, he stands back and defends it down the wicket

12.5 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, full and straight, Sehwag mishits an on drive to mid on

Deep square leg comes in to stand near the leg umpire..

12.4 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, well left, not too short and just around off, Sehwag shoulders arms

12.3 Siddle to Sehwag, FOUR, no third man and Sehwag collects four. Short and wide outside off, Sehwag sees vacant spots behind the slips and goes hard at it, hits it uppishly over gully for a boundary

12.2 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, beaten! Short and outside off, Sehwag thinks about ducking under it but still wants to go after it, does a bit of both and misses

12.1 Siddle to Sehwag, no run, good short ball! Had Sehwag in all sorts of trouble but he survives. Short and angled in, Sehwag had no clue and was hopping, somehow managed to get some bat on it and keep it down to the on side

11.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, looks like the umpires have miscalculated. It's a 5-ball over!

11.4 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, another one on the pads, this time he glances it straight to fine leg

11.3 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 2 runs, full and on the legs, Sehwag whips it off the pads uppishly to deep square leg region, the ground is very big so he'll not get a boundary

11.2 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, back of a length and on the off, he goes on the backfoot and pushes to the off side

11.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 2 runs, very poor running between the wickets, did they think it would reach the fence? This was driven firmly down the ground and both mid off and mid on gave chase, one of them managed to stop it just near the boundary ropes but the batsmen just run 2

10.6 Siddle to Sehwag, 1 run, 8000 Test runs for Virender Sehwag. Not many would have thought it was possible with his style of play, but he has got there with an average of 50+. Gets to the landmark with a glance off the hip to fine leg. 23rd player to achieve it.

10.5 Siddle to Dravid, 3 runs, good shot, this was overpitched outside off, Dravid gets his feet to the pitch of the ball and drives it to sweeper cover, not timed too well so he'll get just 3

10.4 Siddle to Dravid, no run, good areas again, continues the zone outside off and gets it to move away as well, Dravid leaves

10.3 Siddle to Dravid, no run, full again but a lot straighter, Dravid gets forward and defends to the off side

10.2 Siddle to Dravid, no run, another one in the area outside off, Dravid continues to leave

10.1 Siddle to Dravid, no run, full and zippy outside off, Dravid lets it go

Peter Siddle, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

9.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, bouncer to end the over, Sehwag has no problems in negotiating that

9.5 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, back of a length and curving away, Sehwag goes deep in his crease and pushes it to point

9.4 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, another one on the leg side, he is cramping Sehwag for room here, Sehwag looks to keep it away but gets hit on the thigh pad

9.3 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, aims for his ribs and bowls another short one, Sehwag works it to square leg

Sehwag on 7999*.

9.2 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, bangs it in short and bowls a bouncer, Sehwag ducks under it

9.1 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, 1 run, short of length and on the off, he goes back and defends to cover, spots a single and runs quickly to get there

8.6 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, continues to bowl in good areas but this is just outside off, Sehwag shoulders arms

8.5 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, good length and on the off, Sehwag gets forward and defends

8.4 James Pattinson to Dravid, 1 run, too much enthusiasm from the forward short leg fielder allows Dravid to go off strike, this was flicked straight to the man there, who decides to throw needlessly at Sehwag's end, ends up conceding an overthrow

8.3 James Pattinson to Dravid, FOUR, trademark Rahul Dravid flick to get off the mark. Full and on the pads - you just can't bowl there to him - Dravid accepts the early gift and flicks it elegantly to the deep mid wicket fence

8.2 James Pattinson to Dravid, no run, well bowled, looks for the yorker and bowls a low full toss, Dravid gets forward and looks to defend, it goes off the bottom to mid on

8.1 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 1 run, edge but safe! Sehwag is late on the defence and gets a thick outside edge that runs between slips and gully to third man

7.6 Hilfenhaus to Dravid, no run, beauty to the new batsman. Once again a good outswinger outside off, Dravid doesn't know whether to play or leave and does a bit of both, ends up getting beaten, superb over!

Rahul Dravid, right handed bat, comes to the crease

7.5 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, out Caught by Haddin!! Gone! How many times have we seen Gambhir fish outside off and lose his wicket? Add one to the number. Credit to the bowler though, he maintained good channels outside off and continues to do so, gets it to move away a bit off the seam as well, Gambhir hangs his bat out initially and decides to withdraw at the last moment, but it's too late, the ball kisses the edge and goes through to Haddin. Simple catch, first strike. Gambhir c Haddin b Hilfenhaus 3(23)

Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

7.4 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, good length on the off, he gets forward and defends solidly

7.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, angled away outside off, Gambhir has a careful look and decides to leave

7.2 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, stump to stump line, Sehwag is late on the defence and gets an inside edge past the stumps to short fine leg region

7.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, bouncer from Hilfenhaus, but Sehwag gets under it easily

6.6 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, full and straight, he gets forward and pushes it back to the bowler, who runs in all the way to the batsman in his follow through.. it's all happening here!

6.5 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, back of a length and straight, he drops it down to the on side

Uh oh, there it starts. War of words between the batsman Sehwag and the bowler James Pattinson. Siddle joins in as well. Sehwag is seen showing his bat at the bowler and looks animated. Erasmus intervenes to calm things down. Must say I have never seen Sehwag so agitated. Pattinson and Sehwag almost collided as Sehwag went for the single, and Sehwag went up to the bowler to have a word when Siddle joined in. All settled now though.

6.4 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 1 run, back of a length and on the middle and leg, he works it to mid wicket for one

6.3 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 2 runs, in the air but safe! Full delivery on the pads, Sehwag looks to flick but plays it a bit early, ends up lobbing it uppishly to the on side but there are lots of vacant spaces near deep mid wicket so it falls safe

6.2 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, back of a length and on the off, he goes on the backfoot and defends to the off side

6.1 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, good short delivery but equally well handled. 146 kmph short ball angled in around off, Sehwag knows there is a third man and doesn't go after it, just drops his wrists and sways away from the line

5.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, pitches it up again but bowls it on his pads, Sehwag glances to deep backward square leg and retains strike

5.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no ball, oversteps and bowls a full one on middle stump line, Sehwag pushes it to square leg

5.5 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, 1 run, full and swinging into his pads, Gambhir works it to fine leg and takes one

5.4 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, stump to stump this time, Gambhir clips it to square leg

5.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, play and a miss. Short and rising outside off, Gambhir hangs his bat out without any conviction and misses it

5.2 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, good length delivery on the off, he gets forward and defends

5.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, this time he punches well and gets a single through cover

4.6 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 1 run, catch dropped? Need to see a replay to confirm. Hussey is the fielder and he looks disappointed. This was just a bit short around off and Sehwag looks to punch it away through point, he ends up hitting it uppishly towards gully where Hussey dives to right but fails to hold on to a low chance. Extremely tough catch, would be hard to call it a drop, but it could be costly!

4.5 James Pattinson to Sehwag, FOUR, width on offer and Sehwag accepts the gift. Full and wide outswinger from Pattinson, Sehwag doesn't move his feet but does it matter? He goes through with the drive and hits it through the vacant extra cover region for a boundary

4.4 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, beaten! Holds back the length a bit and then gets it to nip away off the seam, Sehwag fishes at it but it beaten by the movement

4.3 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 2 runs, well bowled and well played, tries the yorker but misses it marginally, Sehwag clips it off his feet to deep square leg for a couple

Three slips, a gully and a third man in place for Sehwag. Slight delay in play. Clarke walks up to Ian Gould and has a word with him. Gould consults the other umpire, Erasmus and says something. Not sure what it is all about, looks like some issue near the sight-screen. All set now.

4.2 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, short of length and just outside off, Sehwag goes on the backfoot and pushes it to point where Warner makes a diving stop

4.1 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, length delivery on the off, Sehwag gets half forward and defends towards point

3.6 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, excellent ball to end an excellent over, this one goes through with the angle, Gambhir plays for the in-swing and gets beaten

3.5 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, this time he lets it go, in the channel outside off again but Gambhir is happy to leave this time

3.4 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, there comes the loose drive from Gambhir. He has got out following the ball so often, and he just refuses to resist the temptation, goes after a full and wide delivery but misses

3.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, no run, he is getting good shape on the ball, this one moves in from outside off but Gambhir covers the line and leaves

3.2 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, another good outswinger but equally well played, he watches it carefully and defends it to short cover, spots an opportunity for one and runs well to take it

3.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, what a beauty to start the session! Pitching on length around middle and then swinging away, Sehwag, as usual doesn't move his feet and pushes at it, fails to make contact. Excellent ball first up

Some fun before the start of play post lunch. The camera man who was capturing the players walking into the park somehow fell off the motorised-cycle and lost his equipment as well. He gets a bit of helping hand from the Aussie fielders and is back on his feet. He manages to smile, but it will quickly disappear if there is any damage to the camera! Costly ones, those machines..

Right then, we're back. The Australian fielders are the first to walk out and are followed by the Indian openers. Sehwag is there, so hope for some fun!

India's session that. After bowling out Australia for not too many today, they have started cautiously and have survived till lunch. Zaheer was outstanding in the morning and he quickly terminated the Aussie innings. India need a solid batting performance post lunch, but that won't be easy against an attacking Aussie bowling line-up. Either way, it promises much fun and if Sehwag stays for a while, the fun could last longer. Don't miss out on all the action which will start at 7:40 IST. We will be back then.

2.6 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir survives and that will be lunch. Leaves an away seamer outside off alone. Sehwag has already walked off and then waits for Gambhir to join him. Lunch on day 2 at the 'G'

2.5 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, an inside edge onto the pads as Gambhir is late on the defensive shot. That one swung back in. The first one that James Pattinson has swung today

2.4 James Pattinson to Sehwag, 1 run, that is sensible batting. Sehwag gets back in his crease and defends to cover which is vacant. Is off strike and it will be Gambhir to face the last two balls before lunch

2.3 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, full and on middle, on driven firmly, but straight to the fielder at mid on

2.2 James Pattinson to Sehwag, no run, 'flashed and flashed hard' booms Ravi Shaz on air. What a poor shot though. Full and way outside off, Sehwag stood in his crease and threw his bat out. No contact made and the ball flies through to Haddin.

2.1 James Pattinson to Gambhir, 1 run, tucked to fine leg. Gambhir wants 2, but Hilf is quick and that brings us to the fascinating contest between Sehwag and James Pattinson

1.6 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, beaten again. Sehwag poking tentatively at a back of a length delivery that swung initally and then seamed away to miss the edge. Sehwag just played that from the crease without any substantial amount of confidence

1.5 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, short of length delivery outside off, Sehwag thinks about a cut and then leaves it alone

1.4 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, no run, beaten by a lovely outswinger from Hilfenhaus. Hilfenhaus is one of the best swing bowlers in the world - when everything is going right for him that is. This one was a real peach. Came in from close to the stumps and delivered a full delivery that snaked away, Sehwag was drawn into the drive and the ball whistled past the edge

1.3 Hilfenhaus to Gambhir, 1 run, Gambhir gets his first test run in Australia. Pushed towards cover and they complete it easily

1.2 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 1 run, on the hips as Hilfenhaus tries to bend it back in, Sehwag tucks it down to backward square leg

1.1 Hilfenhaus to Sehwag, 2 runs, Sehwag is the Man! Has a huge smile on his face after clearing mid off. A risky shot that. The bat turned in his hand as the late swing from Hilfenhaus drew the false shot. Sehwag somehow scooped it over the man. A couple to get off the mark

Ben Hilfenhaus, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Sehwag isn't ready and pulls out as Hilf runs in. He wasn't ready and pulled out. Three slips in place for Hilf.

0.6 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, a fine maiden over from James Pattinson. Keeps it full and on off, Gambhir pushes it towards cover. No chance of a run again

0.4 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, left alone even as the ball climbs onto Haddin

0.3 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, Gambhir didn't know much about that. Pushed away from the body and got an inside edge that went to short leg. He was looking for the ball and had to quickly get back to his crease, before the fielder fired it in

Lyon is off the field. He was hit on the right hand off Zaheer while batting. He is grimacing in pain holding his hand outside the fence. Ed Cowan too is off the field with a sore back.

0.2 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, short delivery and a pacy one too, Gambhir ducks under it

0.1 James Pattinson to Gambhir, no run, short of length delivery on off, Gambhir drops it near his feet and looks for the quick single. Sehwag isn't even interested

Gambhir and Sehwag are at the crease. Gambhir is on strike. James Pattinson will open the attack

India will have to bat a tricky 3 overs or a minimum of 14 minutes before lunch. But they have done well today to pick up the remaining 4 wickets for 56 runs. Zaheer was top class and certainly deserved a 5-fer. It was not to be, but his world class bowling has really made a difference to this Indian bowling line-up. The Aussies will be steaming in with the new ball and with Sehwag at the crease, expect the unexpected. Do join us for the Indian innings very shortly.

109.6 Ashwin to Lyon, out Bowled!! Cleaned up. Ashwin fires it in full and fast on middle, knowing Lyon will sweep. Lyon does exactly that and it misses. The length was too full and it crashed into middle. Australia are bowled out for triple nelson. Lyon stood at the crease shadow practicing the shot after he was bowled. But that won't do him any good. He has been done in round the legs. Lyon b Ashwin 6(11) [4s-1]

Ashwin to Lyon, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

109.5 Ashwin to James Pattinson, 1 run, well tossed up on off, driven hard to long off. Lyon has to survive one ball from Ashwin

109.4 Ashwin to Lyon, 1 run, Lyon pre-meditates the paddle sweep and laps it around the corner to backward square leg

109.3 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, forward defence to a tossed up delivery

109.2 Ashwin to James Pattinson, 1 run, Gauti takes a blow after James Pattinson pulls hard. It hits Gauti at short leg on the shins. He is fine and that is good news for India

109.1 Ashwin to James Pattinson, FOUR, swept away. Took it from outside off and swept it down to the backward square fence. Easily done

108.6 Zaheer to Lyon, no run, an inside edge onto the pads saves Lyon and it nearly trickles onto off. Zaheer getting so near, but unable to get that 5th

108.5 Zaheer to Lyon, no run, this one goes the other way and Lyon's loose shot meets thin air. Zaheer has a smile on his face after that missed the edge

108.4 Zaheer to James Pattinson, 1 run, drop and run. The field is deep and they take an easy single

108.3 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, Wasim Jaffa! Real beauty. Angled in and then seamed away. James Pattinson covered the line well, but it moved away a fraction to beat the edge. On the replays it looks even more exaggerated. So close to 5 was Zaheer. James Pattinson acknowledges the delivery by nodding 'well bowled' to Zaheer

108.2 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, an outside edge as James Pattinson is squared up, but it falls safely at cover. The fielders are preventing the boundaries and there was none to catch that close in

108.1 Zaheer to Lyon, 1 run, full and outside off, Lyon drives to the vacant mid off. Mid on comes around to field. Lyon gives the strike back to James Pattinson

Zaheer Khan [30.0-6-75-4] is back into the attack

107.6 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, driven back to the left of Ashwin who dives and stops.

107.5 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, defended off the frontfoot

107.4 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, turns it to Gauti at short leg who tries to catch Lyon short by flinging the throw at the bowlers end. A wild throw and Ashwin does well to stop

107.3 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, cut away to Sachin Tendulkar at deepish cover. James Pattinson is sent back in time by Lyon

107.2 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, slower and James Pattinson adjusts for the turn and dabs it square on the off side

107.1 Ashwin to James Pattinson, no run, from round the wicket and sliding on, James Pattinson defends with bat and pad close together

106.6 Umesh Yadav to Lyon, no run, Lyon drags the bat inside the line and lets go a short of length delivery just outside off alone

106.4 Umesh Yadav to Lyon, no run, now pushes forward and defends the full ball on off stump

106.3 Umesh Yadav to Lyon, FOUR, wrong line and flicked away beautifully. Down leg and Lyon put it away beating fine leg. Lyon can play as we saw against New Zealand recently

106.2 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, 1 run, short of length on off, James Pattinson defends with an open face wide of point and another easy single is given away

106.1 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, back of a length delivery on off, James Pattinson defends without any fuss

105.6 Ashwin to Lyon, no run, Lyon gets forward and defends the full delivery on the stumps

105.5 Ashwin to James Pattinson, 1 run, low full toss on the stumps, James Pattinson on drives and a good sliding stop from mid on saves 3 runs. Gets Lyon on strike

Nathan Lyon, right handed bat, comes to the crease

105.4 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, out Caught by Virat Kohli at long on!! Good bowling and the captain has been vindicated for bringing on Ashwin. Hilfenhaus wasn't going to hang around. His eyes lit up after seeing the tossed up offering. Lofts, but doesn't time it well. Theese are huge boundaries and you need to hit with immense power to clear the fence. Hilfenhaus doesn't do so. Holes out. Kohli is blowing kisses to the crowd after taking that catch. Hilfenhaus c Virat Kohli b Ashwin 19(32) [4s-3]

Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

105.3 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, carrom ball pushed through on off, Hilfenhaus taps to the off side

105.2 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, no run, this one bounces from outside off, Hilfenhaus covers it and steers to point

105.1 Ashwin to Hilfenhaus, 2 runs, Ashwin produces the outside edge first ball. But it goes wide of Dravid at first slip. An easy couple

Ravichandran Ashwin [26.0-2-71-1] is back into the attack

104.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, James Pattinson's defence gets better and better. Calmly negotiates a back of a length delivery on off

104.5 Umesh Yadav to Hilfenhaus, 1 run, easy single as Hilfenhaus defends towards the vacant cover. Deep point is a waste and I agree with Tom Moody when he says it is setting a field for a bad ball

104.4 Umesh Yadav to Hilfenhaus, no run, full and down leg. Wasted delivery

104.3 Umesh Yadav to Hilfenhaus, no run, good one. It seamed back in from a short of length and followed Hilfenhaus. Hilfenhaus was looking to get forward and then pushed his bat inside the line. The ball whizzes past the edge. Good wheels from Umesh Yadav

104.2 Umesh Yadav to Hilfenhaus, no run, wild swing again. Short outside off, Hilfenhaus is late on the pull.

104.1 Umesh Yadav to Hilfenhaus, no run, Umesh Yadav follows Hilfenhaus who was trying to back away to leg. Eventually Hilfenhaus defends to cover

Umesh Yadav [24.0-5-100-3] is back into the attack

103.6 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, Ishant gets this to straighten from a fuller length. But it is still outside off and James Pattinson leaves

103.5 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, short of length delivery outside off, punched to the off side

103.4 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, Close! Very close. James Pattinson is a bit unsure about his leave and his off stump this time. It seams back in sharply with the angle and nearly clips off. James Pattinson was looking to leave, then tried to play, was too late on both counts and is very lucky to be still there. Ishant has bowled really well without much luck. No wickets to show as well

103.3 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, still no change in James Pattinson's plans. Leaves an outside off ball alone

Round the wicket now

103.2 Ishant to James Pattinson, 2 runs, neat looking backfoot punch through cover. Back and across before timing it well

103.1 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, left alone by James Pattinson and MS takes it in front of his face

102.6 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, good ball to finish. Nearly got through Hilfenhaus. Inswinging into the stumps, Hilfenhaus doesn't know where the ball is after digging it out onto his boot. Luckily for him it rolls harmlessly to the off side

102.5 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, 2 runs, firmly driven to wide long off where Ash does some running. Still can't prevent the two.

102.4 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, that's Zaheer for you - clever customer he is. Bowls full and angles it across Hilfenhaus who pulls his bat inside the line

102.3 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, short again, middle and leg stumpish, Hilfenhaus sees it early and does a situp before leaving

102.2 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Zaheer goes short into the pitch and it bounces over Hilfenhaus who half ducked under it

102.1 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Zaheer begins after drinks and beats Hilfenhaus who doesn't slog, but tries to fish outside off and ends up looking clumsy

Drinks are on the field now

101.6 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, short and James Pattinson ducks a little too early. The ball doesn't bounce that high, but still high enough to go over the ducking Patto

101.5 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, turns it to leg and yells 'No' immediately

101.4 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, back of a length delivery on middle and off, James Pattinson plays a neat backfoot defence

101.3 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, short of length delivery on off, James Pattinson defends

101.2 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, 1 run, once again Umesh misses to give Hilfenhaus a life. It was on driven to mid on, Umesh fumbled. Hilfenhaus saw the chance and took him on. If it had hit direct, Hilfenhaus was out.

101.1 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, no run, Hilfenhaus will bat only one way. That is to swing wildly. Charges out and completely misses the slog to leg. The ball bounces over his bat and through to MS. Ishant ruffles his hair in disappointment

100.6 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, short and rising outside off, James Pattinson looks at it and lets it go

100.5 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, 1 run, a miscued flat batted pull goes to long off instead of mid wicket

100.4 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Hilfenhaus aborted his big hit mid way and that was a good thing. It was a slower delivery on the stumps, Hilfenhaus was looking to go over cover and ended up stopping it. The ball lobs in the air, but falls short of Kohli

100.2 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, drifts onto the pads and James Pattinson falls over before missing the flick. Going down

100.1 Zaheer to James Pattinson, no run, beaten. Zaheer beating James Pattinson with a full one outside off. James Pattinson was looking to defend with bat and pad close together and it just missed the edge

99.6 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, no run, firm drive is well intercepted by Ishant on his followthrough

99.5 Ishant to Hilfenhaus, no run, Hilfenhaus sports a huge smile after that away seamer missed his edge by a mile. Outside off and Hilfenhaus was playing well inside the line. Ishant had a word with Hilfenhaus who smiled back. Then had a word with James Pattinson and joked about it

99.4 Ishant to James Pattinson, 1 run, Umesh at mid off fumbles. Once again it was a firm drive and the pace on that ball beat Umesh

99.3 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, back of a length delivery on middle, James Pattinson gets right back in defence

99.2 Ishant to James Pattinson, FOUR, Authentic straight drive. Ishant going too full and James Pattinson unleashing a picture perfect drive. Leant forward and timed it past the stumps at Hilfenhaus' end. The umpire did well to quickly move out of the way. This lad looks like he can bat. He has a good technique and is playing some nice drives

99.1 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, good length delivery outside off, James Pattinson shoulders arms

98.6 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, beaten again. Lovely comeback from Zaheer. Bowls a fine delivery that swerves away off the seam beating a loose frail from Hilfenhaus. All action that over. Nearly caught the edge

98.5 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, FOUR, that is a meaty blow. Full and on off, Hilfenhaus belted it over mid off. Nearly a six. One bounce over the ropes. Connected well and hit it hard and straight

98.4 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, FOUR, streaky but Hilfenhaus will take it. Throws his bat at a full one outside off and the edge flies over the slip cordon. Zaheer has a wry smile on his face

98.3 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, beaten. Zaheer going short and into the body of Hilfenhaus who backed away and tried to cut. The bounce took it past the edge. Hilfenhaus is living on the edge

98.2 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, good ball. Zaheer going wide of the crease and following a backing Hilfenhaus with a short one. Hilfenhaus was caught in an awkward tangle and it flew over his left shoulder.

98.1 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, loose flail at one way outside off. Hilfenhaus throwing his bat at that shortish one and not making contact

97.6 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, bouncer down leg and James Pattinson ducks to let it go

97.5 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, a stifled shout for LBW, but James Pattinson once again got an inside edge onto the pads. James Pattinson once again is late on the defensive shot

No surprises here - the official feed has gone for a toss. Thankfully it is back, though I would have liked to get the Australian feed.

97.4 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, well bowled! Full and on middle and off, James Pattinson is a bit late in getting the bat down and gets an inside edge onto the pads

97.3 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, short delivery down leg. James Pattinson is leaving those easily and does so again

97.2 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, goes much fuller and outside off, James Pattinson still doesn't play a shot

97.1 Ishant to James Pattinson, no run, Ishant bowls on a good length outside off, left alone

Ishant Sharma [20.0-6-40-0] is back into the attack

96.6 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, full and on off, Hilfenhaus off drives and a sliding stop from shortish mid off saves some runs

96.5 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Zaheer now goes round the wicket and hurls it in on a short of length on the stumps, Hilfenhaus defends

96.4 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Hilfenhaus backs away slightly and defends with an open face towards point. Gauti prevents the quick single

96.3 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, no run, Zaheer hits Hilfenhaus on the body. This nipped back in and Hilfenhaus didn't cover the line. The ball thudded into his ribs.

96.2 Zaheer to Hilfenhaus, FOUR, that's a one handed slap. A low full toss outside off, Hilfenhaus slapped it fiercely with one hand off the bat. The ball races away to the deep cover fence

Ben Hilfenhaus, right handed bat, comes to the crease

96.1 Zaheer to Siddle, out Caught by Dhoni!! Ravi Shaz comes on air and nearly fools us by saying another one goes to the slip cordon. Wonder what feed he is watching. But what a beauty from Zaheer though. Squared up Siddle with a back of a length delivery that nipped away from off stump. Siddle had to play and edged it to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He is bowling like a dream and he deserves all his wickets. Top class seam bowling from the Master. Siddle c Dhoni b Zaheer 41(100) [4s-4]

Zaheer to Siddle, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

95.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, hits the bat hard with a back of a length delivery on off stump, James Pattinson is rock solid in defence

95.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, attacking the hips. James Pattinson is caught in an awkward tangle as he tries to fend to leg. Gets it to square leg without any timing

95.4 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, that's a good ball. Yorker length on off, James Pattinson gets his bat down in time and pushes it back to mid off

95.3 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, Umesh Yadav is wasting his energy by bowling short to James Pattinson. Down leg and he ducks again

95.2 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, back of a length delivery on off and middle, James Pattinson gets right behind the line and defends

95.1 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, beaten. Very close to the outside edge. Pacy short of length delivery around off stump, James Pattinson was drawn into the defensive shot and was lucky that he didn't edge it

94.6 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, short of length delivery on off, Siddle plays a nice looking defence off the backfoot

94.5 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, slanted well across Siddle who lets it go

94.4 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, follows it up with a yorker length delivery on off, Siddle toe ends it back to Zaheer

94.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, Jeez! How did that miss the stumps? There is no justice in the world thinks Zaheer as he stands with his hands on hips. It curved back in like a dream. On a fuller length too and Siddle was swishing in thin air as he tried to drive ambitiously. The ball bounced over the middle stump. Corker and that definitely deserved a wicket.

94.2 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, full and a hint of inward movement for Zaheer, Siddle covers the line and defends

94.1 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, short ball on the stumps, Siddle ducks under it. No problems for Siddle

The more I see the replays of the over that Zak got Haddin out, the more I'm impressed. He set him up beautifully and then dismissed him. That's why Zak is in my top 3 bowlers in the world at the moment.

93.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, an Ed Cowanesque leave from James Pattinson to end the over. Hardly looked troubled during that over

93.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, the third short ball of the over and this is down leg. James Pattinson has no problems in ducking under that

93.4 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, angled across James Pattinson on a good length. Left alone

93.3 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, back over the wicket is Umesh Yadav. Another short ball and it is easily evaded by James Pattinson

93.2 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, bouncer from round the wicket and James Pattinson ducks

93.1 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, 1 run, a leading edge and it falls safely at cover. Siddle trying to close the face too early and nearly falls. They take a lucky single

92.6 Zaheer to Siddle, 1 run, and again. There was a chance of a run-out, but Gambhir slipped while he was throwing. It was pushed to cover and Gambhir missed the throw at the bowlers end. Siddle was home as the ball missed

92.5 Zaheer to James Pattinson, 1 run, good sensible batting. Defends in front of cover and takes an easy single. Easily done in the end. 'I used to get very frustrated' whenever that happened says Wasim Akram on air.

92.4 Zaheer to Siddle, 1 run, inside edged onto the thigh pad and no short leg to catch. Goes to backward square leg and they take the quick single this time

92.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, now Zaheer gets the inswinger going. Full and swinging in to the pads, Siddle inside edges the flick and James Pattinson was haring down for the quick single. Siddle sent him back in time, before mid wicket could get to the ball

92.2 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, excellent bowling from Zaheer. Beats Siddle with a full one that holds it's line outside off, Siddle is expecting the inswinger and pushes at it. Luckily for him it misses the outside edge

92.1 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery on the stumps, Siddle defends off the backfoot

91.6 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, angles it in on a good length outside off, left alone

Umesh Yadav now goes round the wicket to James Pattinson

91.5 Umesh Yadav to James Pattinson, no run, short of length and rising outside off, James Pattinson shoulders arms

91.4 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, 1 run, low full toss turned to mid on. Zak was on his heels and that allowed Siddle to make it home. A more swift fielder would've had a real chance of running out Siddle

91.2 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, beauty from Umesh Yadav. Beats Siddle who was fishing outside off. It was full and outside off, Siddle was uncertain and nearly paid the price

91.1 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, now again the edge falls short of Sehwag at gully. Siddle playing with soft hands and it didn't carry

James Pattinson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

90.6 Zaheer to Haddin, out Caught by Sehwag!! Is Haddin out? The umpires are checking for the no-ball. Haddin waits for the decision. After an eternity, the third ump makes the call and rightly rules Haddin out. Brilliant stuff from Zaheer. The perfect dismissal. He troubled him all over and finally nailed him. It was full and angled across Haddin who drove away from his body and Sehwag at gully took a neat low catch. Haddin checked with Sehwag whether he had taken it cleanly and then walked. The umpires then checked for the no-ball. Zaheer was fine there too. I wonder what the fuss was all about for the third ump wasted precious time taking a look at numerous replays. Anyway Haddin is gone and India have struck early. Haddin c Sehwag b Zaheer 27(69) [4s-1]

Zaheer to Haddin, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

90.5 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, again Haddin plays outside the line and gets an inside edge onto the pads. He was looking to defend and Zaheer nearly sneaked through with a perfect inswinger

90.4 Zaheer to Haddin, FOUR, uncertain is Haddin again. Looks to leave a full ball outside off and then half plays and half leaves, the ball takes the outside edge and beats a diving VVS at slip and ran away. Lucky runs for Haddin

90.3 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, beaten. Haddin falling over even as the full ball is angled across him. It dipped on Haddin who played outside the line and the ball sneaked past his inside edge. Dies on Mahendra Singh Dhoni who takes it well. Zaheer stares at Haddin. Haddin looked all at sea that delivery

90.2 Zaheer to Siddle, 3 runs, Siddle plants his front-foot across and then whips the middle stump ball through mid wicket. Sachin chased it and they take an easy three. Neatly played and that is Siddle's first runs of the morning

90.1 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, good leave from Siddle. Trusted the bounce and left an off stumpish ball go past. It bounced past the off stump and went to Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Zaheer Khan [23.0-5-49-2] is back into the attack

89.6 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, nearly a run-out. Siddle had to dive back to get in. Would've been interesting had that hit direct. Haddin defended wide of cover and immediately yelled 'No'. Siddle was a long way down and had to put the dive. Cover threw and missed. Need a replay again to confirm if that was close

89.5 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery on off stump, meets the solid blade of Haddin who is defending from the crease

89.4 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, 2 runs, first runs of the day. Nice shape for Umesh Yadav as he bowls a good away swinger, it is full and swerving away, Haddin softly eased it past cover to take a couple

89.3 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, Umesh Yadav pushes Haddin back into the crease. Again Haddin is hurried into the defensive stroke, manages to keep it down to square leg

89.2 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, Ripper! What a beautiful delivery to bowl so early on on day 2. It hints at coming in and then swerves away at the last instant. Haddin was playing for the inswinger and then had to pull out the bat as the ball seams past his edge. Lovely carry to Mahendra Singh Dhoni as well

89.1 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, Umesh Yadav charges in and delivers a back of a length delivery outside off, Haddin shuffles across a tad and defends with an open face towards gully

The players are out in the middle. The Indians had a bit of a 'get-together' before coming on says Chappelli. Umesh Yadav has the ball. A lovely day in Melbourne. Perfect conditions for batting.

Pitch report: Pretty good conditions for batting reckons Chappelli. The sun is out and that generally means the batsmen will enjoy their stint in the middle. Still grass on the wicket though and that should keep the bowlers interested. Yesterday Ashwin got the odd ball to turn and bounce, so there is something for the spinners as well.

Hello and Welcome to the live coverage of Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia. The hosts have managed to reach 277/6 at the end of Day 1. The conditions early in the day were overcast and the pitch still has a layer of grass. India will look to take the remaining 4 wickets for as few runs as possible and this Aussie pair will want to continue their dogged partnership. Stay tuned for the pitch report.

At the end of the day, both teams will return to the dressing room feeling a bit happy and a bit disappointed. When Zaheer Khan picked up Clarke and Hussey off successive balls, it seemed like India would take the game by the scruff of the neck and bowl the hosts out for a low score. But Siddle and Haddin have batted in a dogged fashion to deny India the advantage. All Indian bowlers bowled their hearts out, especially Yadav who ended the day with 3 wickets. India will look to come out refreshed tomorrow morning and hope to take the remaining 4 wickets as early as possible. Either way, it promises to be an enthralling day tomorrow for which you will have to join us at 5:00 AM IST. Have a good day and keep smiling.

88.6 Ishant to Siddle, no run, full and on the middle stump, Siddle looks to flick it to the leg side and gets a leading edge which rolls along the ground back to Ishant. Siddle shows his bat to Ishant, and why shouldn't he. He has batted superbly

88.5 Ishant to Siddle, no run, fuller length delivery on the off stump, Siddle gets forward and pushes it to point

88.4 Ishant to Siddle, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Siddle dabs it with soft hands to the leg side

88.3 Ishant to Siddle, no run, this one is fuller and angled in, Siddle gets on the front foot and defends it to cover

88.2 Ishant to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery way outside off, Siddle lets it go through to the keeper

88.1 Ishant to Haddin, 1 run, back of a length delivery outside off, Haddin drops it in front of point and scampers across for a single

87.6 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, peach of a delivery from Umesh Yadav. It was fuller on the off stump and moves away just a hint, beats the bat of Siddle who looked to defend it

87.5 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, this one is banged in short, but it's too wide outside off and Siddle shoulders arms

87.4 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, FOUR, is this guy lucky or what? It was a back of a length delivery on the off stump, hint of away movement, Siddle looks to leave it , but the ball hits the outside part of the bat and rolls past the backward point fielder for a boundary.

87.3 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, leg byes, FOUR, back of a length delivery on the leg stump, Siddle looks to flick, the ball rolls off his pads down to the fine leg boundary. Poor delivery after a good ball

87.2 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, FOUR, this one is fuller too, but a touch outside off, Siddle gets forward and pushes at it. The ball hits the outside edge and goes low past a diving Kohli at gully down to third man.

86.6 Ishant to Haddin, no run, really well bowled by Ishant, fuller in swinger just outside off, it whizzes past the off stump as Haddin shoulders arms

86.5 Ishant to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery seaming away from outside off, left alone by Haddin

86.4 Ishant to Siddle, 1 run, good length delivery angled in from wide of the crease, Siddle taps it to extra cover and crosses for a quick single

86.3 Ishant to Siddle, no run, this one is short and wide outside off, Siddle shoulders arms once again

86.2 Ishant to Siddle, no run, fuller length delivery outside off, this one swings away from outside off, left alone by Siddle

86.1 Ishant to Siddle, no run, short of length delivery shaping in from outside off, Siddle shoulders arms

Ishant Sharma [18.0-6-38-0] is back into the attack

85.6 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery on middle stump, Haddin once again covers the line and defends it solidly

85.5 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, well played by Haddin, keeps his head down and defends a good length delivery which moves away a shade after pitching on off stump.

85.4 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery shaping a touch away from outside off, it straightens after pitching, none of this is of any concern to Haddin who shoulders arms

85.3 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, full and straight on the stumps, Haddin gets across and pushes it back to the bowler

85.2 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Haddin goes on the backfoot and guides it to the gully region.

85.1 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, good length away swinger pitching outside off, Haddin has a waft at it and is beaten

84.6 Zaheer to Haddin, 1 run, back of a length delivery outside off, Haddin guides it down to the gully region, where Kohli misfields to allow a single

84.5 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on the middle stump, Haddin looks to drive and is hit on the pads. It pitched in line and would have crashed into the stumps. Haddin showed his bat to the umpire, but the replays did not indicate any such deflection. Umpire Erasmus doesn't agree with Zak and the rest of the Indians who were pleading for the decision

84.4 Zaheer to Siddle, 1 run, looks to force a fuller length delivery through the covers, gets an inside edge to fine leg. Single taken

84.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, good length delivery pitched outside off, Siddle comes forward and lets it go through to the keeper

84.2 Zaheer to Siddle, leg byes, FOUR, Zaheer angles this down the leg side. It swings a bit too and Dhoni has no chance as he dives to his left to stop it. The ball actually deflected off the pads, 4 leg byes to the total

83.6 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, short and too wide outside off, it moves away a shade, left alone by Haddin

83.5 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, 2 runs, short of length delivery, Haddin jumps up on the toes and flicks it off his body to the square leg region. The fielder is standing in the deep and by the time he runs in, batsmen complete a double

83.4 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery way outside off, Haddin would not have gotten any bat on it even if he had reached out for it. No such attempts by him.

83.3 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, 1 run, fuller length delivery outside off, Siddle gets well forward and pushes it to cover, scampers across for the single

83.2 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, 1 run, back of a length delivery seaming away, Haddin stays on the backfoot and guides it to cover point for a single

83.1 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on the pads, Haddin looks to flick, the ball hits his thigh guard and rolls to Dhoni

82.6 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, vicious in swinging delivery from Zaheer, this one is full as well, Siddle looks to dig it out and is hit on the boot. Loud and confident appeal from Zaheer, but Erasmus is unmoved. Would have gone down the leg side

82.5 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, yorker length delivery on the off stump, Siddle plants his front foot forward, the ball hits him on the toe. It lobs up straight to Laxman at second slip who appeals for the catch, but no bat involved. Umpire Erasmus turns it down

82.4 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Siddle defends it solidly off the backfoot

82.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, comes around the wicket and angles it in, it is a touch outside off stump and that is reason enough for Siddle to let it go through

82.2 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, this one is a touch fuller, no swing for Zaheer as Siddle shoulders arms to it

82.1 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery angled across the right hander, he lets it go through to the keeper

81.6 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on the off sutmp, Haddin gets behind the line of the ball and defends it.

81.5 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, 1 run, another yorker from Umesh Yadav, this one hits part of Siddle's toes as he looks to glance it down to fine leg. Loud appeals from the Indians, umpire Erasmus calls it runs.

81.3 Umesh Yadav to Siddle, no run, fuller on the off stump, Siddle does well to stay low and defend it.

81.2 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, 1 run, nice shape for Umesh Yadav, he pitches this just back of a length outside off, Haddin defends it off the backfoot to the cover point region for a single

81.1 Umesh Yadav to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, hint of away swing, Haddin shoulders arms to that one

Umesh Yadav [16.0-3-80-3] is back into the attack

Shadows have covered almost half the playing field.

80.6 Zaheer to Siddle, FOUR, fuller outside off, Siddle looks to drive off the front foot. It was a bit slower and Siddle gets a thick outside edge which flies through the vacant backward point region. Zaheer sports a smile as the ball rolls down to the boundary rope

80.5 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery angled across the right handed Siddle who lets it go through to the keeper

80.4 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery on the middle stump, Siddle looks to flick, it rolls off the pads to the leg side

80.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, good length delivery outside off, Siddle defends it to the off side

80.2 Zaheer to Haddin, leg byes, 1 run, shuffles across to the off side to a delivery on the middle stump, Haddin looks to flick, the ball rolls off his pads to the leg side. Zak did not appeal, I wonder why

80.1 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery angled away, Haddin defends it off the backfoot to the point region.

India can take the new ball. In fact they have taken it straight away. Zaheer Khan will start off with the bright red cherry.

Zaheer Khan [20.0-4-43-2] is back into the attack

79.6 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, tossed up outside off, Siddle comes forward and attempts to defend it, but it's the carrom ball which spins away from his bat.

79.5 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, pushed through quicker and on the off stump, Siddle pushes it to the cover region.

79.4 Ashwin to Siddle, 2 runs, pitched up outside off, Siddle digs it out past Zak at point and comes back for the second

Two slips in place

79.3 Ashwin to Haddin, 3 runs, flatter outside off, Haddin guides it to the third man region. By the time the fielder came across, the batsmen complete a third run.

79.2 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, floated up on middle, Haddin defends it in front of the stumps

79.1 Ashwin to Siddle, 1 run, tossed up on middle, Siddle gets forward and flicks it to the square leg region for a single

78.6 Ishant to Siddle, 1 run, good length delivery on the off stump, Siddle gets forward and pushes it into the vacant cover point region. Single taken. With that he goes past his partner.

78.5 Ishant to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery angled across Siddle, he drops his wrists and lets it go through

78.4 Ishant to Siddle, leg byes, FOUR, Ishant goes around the wicket and bowls it on the legs, it rolls past Dhoni who puts in a feeble effort to stop it, the ball rolls down to the fine leg boundary

78.3 Ishant to Haddin, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the leg stump, it rolls off the pads to the fine leg region, batsmen take a leg bye

78.2 Ishant to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Haddin pushes it to the off side.

78.1 Ishant to Haddin, no run, loud caught behind appeal from behind the wicket. A good length delivery angled just outside off stump, it nipped away after pitching, and beat the outside edge of Haddin's bat. Loud appeals from the slip cordon, replays indicate that there wasn't any edge

77.6 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, floated up wide outside off, Siddle waits for it and steers it to point.

77.5 Ashwin to Siddle, 2 runs, Ashwin is not impresed with Sehwag's effort. It was a well tossed up delivery outside off, Siddle came forward and drove it off the meat of the bat through the covers. Sehwag looked to field it lazily but did not get a hand to it. 2 runs for Siddle.

77.4 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, gets well forward and blocks a slow floated up delivery.

77.3 Ashwin to Haddin, 1 run, tossed up on middle, Haddin gets forward and drives it with the turn to long on for a single

77.2 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, this one is straighter on off stump, Haddin once again defends it solidly off the backfoot

77.1 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, floated up on middle from wide of the crease, Haddin goes back and defends it to Kohli at short leg

76.6 Ishant to Siddle, no run, shorter and wider outside off, Siddle lets it go through to the keeper.

76.5 Ishant to Siddle, no run, a bit shorter and slanted across, Siddle evades it at the last instant, Dhoni has to move a step to his right to collect it

76.4 Ishant to Siddle, no run, Ishant comes around the wicket and delivers a good length delivery angled away, Siddle looks to defend and is beaten.

76.3 Ishant to Siddle, FOUR, super shot from Siddle. It was back of a length and quite wide outside off, Siddle stays in his crease and slashes it wide of point for a boundary. He is now looking better than his more accomplished partner

76.2 Ishant to Siddle, no run, fuller length delivery outside off, Siddle plays away from the body, gets an outside edge which falls just short of Dravid at third slip

76.1 Ishant to Siddle, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Siddle gets forward and pushes to cover

75.6 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, loopy delivery on middle, Haddin plays it to midwicket off the front foot. Ashwin has made Haddin play every ball in this over. Good stuff

75.5 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, comes forward and drives a tossed up delivery to the left of Ashwin

75.4 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, fuller on off stump, Haddin guides it to the short leg fielder

75.3 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, slow loopy delivery outside off, Haddin looks to force it through the covers, gets the inside part of the bat and the ball goes back to the bowler

75.2 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, floated up on the pads, Haddin turns it to short fine leg.

75.1 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, floated up outside off, Haddin takes his front leg across and lets it go through.

74.6 Ishant to Siddle, no run, good length delivery seaming away from outside off, left alone by Siddle

74.5 Ishant to Siddle, no run, pitched up on middle, Siddle gets forward and looks to flick. He gets an inside edge on the pads and it lobs up to the off side. No appeals from the Indians, if it did not hit the edge, it would have been a plumb LBW decision

74.4 Ishant to Siddle, no run, full and straight on off, Siddle gets on the front foot and blocks solidly

74.3 Ishant to Siddle, no run, good length delivery shaping into middle, Siddle presses forward and pushes it wide of Zaheer at mid on. He starts running for the single, but Haddin is not interested. Siddle makes it back to his crease in time

74.2 Ishant to Siddle, no run, superb delivery. Wasim Akram on air calls it unplayable. Full and angled on the off stump, it leaves Siddle as he comes forward to defend and beats the bat.

74.1 Ishant to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery, this one is too wide outside off, Siddle shoulders arms stylishly.

73.6 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, flat, fast and full on middle, Haddin drives it back to the bowler

73.4 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, this one is floated up on middle again, Haddin goes deep into the crease and blocks

73.3 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, slower through the air, dollops of flight on middle, Haddin gets forward and pushes towards mid on

73.2 Ashwin to Siddle, 1 run, flatter on the pads, Siddle pushes it to deep square leg for a single

73.1 Ashwin to Haddin, 3 runs, short and wide outside off, Haddin plays a gentle tap past the backward point region. Zaheer is slow to get to the ball and the batsmen run really well to pick up the third run

72.6 Ishant to Siddle, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Siddle plays a solid front foot defence. Ishant starts off with a maiden

72.5 Ishant to Siddle, no run, fuller and a touch outside off, Siddle drives it to cover

72.4 Ishant to Siddle, no run, short and wide outside off, too wide for Siddle to attempt any shot

72.3 Ishant to Siddle, no run, back of a length delivery, this one moves in a bit and Siddle has to sway away to prevent it from hitting him

72.2 Ishant to Siddle, no run, similar shorter delivery, this one is closer to the off stump, but left alone by Siddle

72.1 Ishant to Siddle, no run, short of length delivery outside off, left alone by Siddle

71.4 Ashwin to Haddin, 1 run, gets well forward and drives a tossed up delivery with the spin down to long on for a single

71.3 Ashwin to Siddle, 1 run, tossed up on middle, Siddle leans forward and takes it on the full, plays it to deep square leg for a single. Thinks about the second, but the fielder is quick

71.2 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, shorter in length and pitching outside off stump, Siddle pushes it off the backfoot

71.1 Ashwin to Haddin, 1 run, floated up on middle, it turns into the body of Haddin who pushes it to midwicket for a single

70.6 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, pitched up a touch outside off, it moves into the right hander a bit, he choses to let it go through to the keeper

70.5 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, Zaheer bowls this one further down the leg side, Siddle looks to glance it and misses. The ball thuds into Dhoni's gloves

70.4 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, full again, this one is angled on the leg side and hits Siddle on the pads as he looks to flick. Stunted appeals from the Indians, but it would have gone down the leg side

70.3 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, fuller length delivery pitched way outside off, it moves away from Siddle who lets it go through to the keeper

Zaheer comes around the wicket

70.2 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, short delivery on the body, Siddle ducks under it . He looks composed at the crease

70.1 Zaheer to Siddle, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, it bounces up over the stump as Siddle shoulders arms to that one.

Drinks are on the field now

69.6 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, Haddin looks totally flustered as Ashwin delivers a flighted up delivery on middle. It turns and bounces to the leg stump and Haddin pushes it to the leg side while on one leg.

69.5 Ashwin to Siddle, 1 run, pushed through a touch quicker on the pads, Siddle glances it to backward square leg for a single

69.4 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, flatter on the middle stump, Siddle plays it back to the bowler

69.3 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, lovely delivery from Ashwin. Classic off spinner's delivery, it was pitched wide outside off and spins into Siddle who was on the front foot. The ball escapes between bat and pad into Dhoni's gloves

69.2 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, gets well forward to a flighted up delivery and defends it.

69.1 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, bowls a short and flat carrom ball outside off, Siddle pushes it to cover off the backfoot

68.6 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on the off stump, Haddin defends it off the backfoot.

68.5 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, Zaheer comes around the wicket and bowls a bouncer outside off stump, Haddin ducks under it.

68.4 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, fuller length delivery on middle, Haddin drives it straight back to the bowler who extends his left leg while on the follow through and stops it.

68.3 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, good length delivery angled away from the right handed Haddin who covers the line and defends it back to the bowler

68.2 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on the middle stump, Haddin defends it from the crease

For the controversy lovers, in the Cowan dismissal, the Hot spot did not show an edge

68.1 Zaheer to Siddle, 1 run, back of a length delivery angled onto the body, Siddle turns it to backward square leg for a single

67.6 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, carrom ball from Ashwin, it was straight on middle and on a yorker length, Haddin plays it out watchfully

67.5 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, tossed up generously on the off stump, Haddin moves forward tentatively and pushes it to the midwicket region.

67.4 Ashwin to Siddle, 1 run, runs down the track and flicks a fuller delivery down the leg side to fine leg for a single.

67.3 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, well tossed up on middle, Siddle waits for it and pushes it to the leg side

67.2 Ashwin to Siddle, no run, floats this one up on middle stump from wide of the crease, Siddle gets forward nicely and drives it with the turn to midwicket

Peter Siddle, right handed bat, comes to the crease

67.1 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, out Caught by Dhoni!! He is out. Tame end to a superbly composed knock from Cowan. It was well tossed up by Ashwin, pitched on the off stump and turned away. Ed Cowan looked to cut it off the backfoot and ended up edging it. Dhoni was watching the ball's trajectory closely and took a good catch. No doubt in that dismissal, India are on a roll. First Test wicket for Ashwin on foreign soil. Cowan was not impressed and left the middle quite reluctantly. Ed Cowan c Dhoni b Ashwin 68(177) [4s-7]

Ashwin to Ed Cowan, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

66.6 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, banged in short by Zaheer, Haddin ducks under it easily

66.5 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, a little shorter now and going down the legside

66.4 Zaheer to Haddin, no run, on the off, Haddin gets behind the line and blocks it to cover

66.3 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, 1 run, on the fuller side from round the wicket, Ed Cowan pushes it to mid off for a quick single

66.3 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no ball, Zaheer continues to slant it across but he has overstepped this time

66.2 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, Zaheer continues from round the wicket to Ed Cowan and keeps it on the off, Ed Cowan gets up on his toes to keep it down

66.1 Zaheer to Haddin, 1 run, very straight in line, Haddin pushes it in front of mid on for a quick single

65.6 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, tossed up and outside off, Ed Cowan presses forward and blocks well

65.5 Ashwin to Haddin, 1 run, on the middle and leg again, easily worked down to deep square leg for one

65.4 Ashwin to Haddin, no run, tossed up and turning in, Haddin lunges forward to block

65.3 Ashwin to Haddin, 2 runs, the carrom ball from Ashwin and Haddin did not pick it, manages to jam his bat down and gets a thickish outside edge past slip for a couple

65.2 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, full and Ed Cowan turns it off his pads in the square leg area for one

65.1 Ashwin to Haddin, 1 run, pitched up, Haddin punches it down to long on for one

64.5 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, a pacy short one from Zaheer, has Ed Cowan backing away and getting down on his knees to sway away

64.4 Zaheer to Haddin, 1 run, Haddin survives the hat-trick ball and gets off the mark too, slanted in from round the wicket and Haddin whips it away to deep square leg

Brad Haddin, right handed bat, comes to the crease

64.3 Zaheer to Michael Hussey, out Caught by Dhoni!! Very loud appeal and it is upheld, very good delivery from Zaheer but it was a very poor decision, Michael Hussey will feel hard done, an excellent delivery to the new man though, kicks up steeply from a good length and has Michael Hussey poking at it even as he jumps up, replays show that there was no edge at all but Zaheer is on a hat-trick now. Michael Hussey c Dhoni b Zaheer 0(1)

Zaheer to Michael Hussey, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Zaheer to Michael Hussey, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Michael Hussey, left handed bat, comes to the crease

64.2 Zaheer to Michael Clarke, out Bowled!! Zak is back, this one slants in, Michael Clarke plays a poor shot, the cut was not on as it was too close to his body, ends up chopping it onto the stumps, just when Australia have threatened to take it away from India they have managed to pull things back with a wicket, has been the story so far today. Michael Clarke b Zaheer 31(68) [4s-5]

Zaheer to Michael Clarke, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

64.1 Zaheer to Michael Clarke, no run, Zaheer continues from round the wicket and gets this one to shape away after piching, Michael Clarke had to play at it and is beaten comprehensively

63.6 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, 1 run, slightly shorter and outside off, Michael Clarke gets back and punches it to sweeper cover for one

63.5 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, Ashwin draws Michael Clarke forward with a flighted one and Michael Clarke blocks it solidly once more

63.4 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, turning in from outside off, Michael Clarke gets deep in the crease and blocks it well

63.3 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, tossed up and well outside off, Michael Clarke plonks his foot forward and defends it

63.2 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, full again and very straight too, Michael Clarke blocks again

63.1 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, tossed up and very full, Michael Clarke turns it to mid wicket

62.6 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, nipping in just a bit, Ed Cowan taps it to mid wicket

62.5 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted away and outside off, Ed Cowan stays back and leaves again

62.4 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, Zaheer slants it in now and keeps it very full too, Ed Cowan flicks it uppishly and there was a man at short mid wicket but it goes well wide of him, easy couple

62.3 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and outside off again, Ed Cowan continues to leave

62.2 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, Zaheer tries the fuller one but ends up delivering a harmless full toss, Ed Cowan does not put it away, pushes it limply to mid off

62.1 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, Zaheer keeps it well outside off, no shot offered by Ed Cowan

61.6 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, given some air and very full too, Michael Clarke leans forward and pushes it down the track

61.5 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, on the off now, Michael Clarke watches it well again and blocks easily

61.4 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, floated up outside off and some sharp turn in too, Michael Clarke stays back and blocks it

61.3 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, straighter now, Michael Clarke stays back and plays it very late, just a defense

61.2 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, Ashwin goes down the legside now

61.1 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, sliding onto middle and leg, Ed Cowan eases it down to fine leg for one

60.6 Zaheer to Michael Clarke, no run, straighter in line now, Michael Clarke turns it to mid wicket

60.5 Zaheer to Michael Clarke, no run, very close to the off stump as Zaheer slants it away but Michael Clarke shoulders arms

60.4 Zaheer to Michael Clarke, FOUR, Zaheer gets this one to swing in to Michael Clarke, Michael Clarke gets it in the inside half of the bat and it trickles down to the fine leg fence

60.3 Zaheer to Michael Clarke, no run, slanted across by Zaheer, Michael Clarke holds his stance and lets it go

60.2 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, 1 run, short again from Zaheer but no real pace on it, Ed Cowan pulls it easily down to fine leg for one

60.2 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, wide, Zak tries the short ball now but gets it all wrong, goes high and way outside off, called a wide

60.1 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, on a good length and outside off, hint of movement away too but Ed Cowan shoulders arms

Zaheer Khan [14.0-3-30-0] is back into the attack

59.6 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, the carrom ball from Ashwin but Michael Clarke picks it well, gets back and blocks it

59.5 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, turning in and on the middle and leg, Michael Clarke turns it on the onside and is stopped well by a diving Kohli at short leg

59.4 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, fuller and outside off, Michael Clarke pushes it on the offside

59.3 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, floated up again, Ed Cowan drives it firmly to mid off and picks a quick single, a fumble by Umesh allows him to make it with ease

54.6 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and on the off, Ed Cowan gets on top of the bounce and keeps it down

54.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, 3 runs, Umesh Yadav goes fuller and finds some away swing, Michael Clarke leans forward and picks it on the full, drives firmly through cover but it stops just inside the ropes, Gambhir gives chase and they pick three for it

54.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, fuller now and tailing in, Michael Clarke manages to turn it firmly wide of mid on

54.2 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, FOUR, short of length and outside off, Michael Clarke gets up on his toes and cuts it neatly between gully and the slip cordon for a boundary, very nicely controlled

54.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, slight movement away for Umesh Yadav but well outside off, left alone by Michael Clarke

53.6 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, 1 run, drifting on the leg now, Michael Clarke turns it down to deep square for one

53.5 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, straighter in line this time, Michael Clarke blocks it watchfully

53.4 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, good turn for Ashwin and some extra bounce too but goes down the legside, surprised Michael Clarke a bit

53.3 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, floated up and very full, Michael Clarke leans forward and defends it

53.2 Ashwin to Michael Clarke, no run, slow turn from outside off, Michael Clarke gets back and defends it solidly

53.1 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, short outside off, not a great start for Ashwin, Ed Cowan gets back and slaps it to sweeper cover

Australia's session that but India will go in to Tea, boosted by the departure of Ponting. Ed Cowan has shown remarkable composure for a man playing his first Test on such a big series and remains unbeaten. Ponting looked good for more but Umesh Yadav, the pick of the bowlers, snapped him up. Honours still even at Tea and do join us in a short while to see which way it tilts in the next session.

52.6 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, good length and outside off but left alone by Michael Clarke and that will be Tea on day one

50.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, short of length and outside off, extra bounce too and Michael Clarke does well not to go after it

50.3 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, just outside off, Michael Clarke stands tall and pushes it to point

50.2 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, pitched up and on the off, Michael Clarke leans forward and punches it to mid off

50.1 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, good length and outside off, nippy too and carries well, to Dhoni, left alone by Michael Clarke

49.6 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, very full now and on the leg too, Ed Cowan flicks it off his pads in the mid wicket area for a couple

49.5 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, given some air but still too far outside off, not tempting Ed Cowan into a false stroke

49.4 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, makes him play this time, full and on the middle and leg, turned to mid wicket

49.3 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, this one goes straight on from round the wicket but still outside off and Ed Cowan shoulders arms

49.2 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, outside off again and turning away, left alone

49.1 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, floated up and well outside off, no shot offered by Ed Cowan

48.6 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, slanted in again, Michael Clarke is hit on the pad and it rolls in front of mid wicket

48.5 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, 2 runs, on the middle and leg now, Michael Clarke shuffles a bit and works it down to deep square to get off the mark with a couple

48.4 Umesh Yadav to Michael Clarke, no run, right on target, full and straight, Michael Clarke leans forward and blocks it well

Michael Clarke, right handed bat, comes to the crease

48.3 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, out Caught by Laxman!! Umesh Yadav gets his third and it is the big one, very good bounce from a good length again and nips away just a touch, hits the shoulder of the bat as Ponting presses forward and carries nicely to the right of Laxman at second slip, he was not going to drop that one and a much needed breakthrough for India. Ponting c Laxman b Umesh Yadav 62(94) [4s-6]

Umesh Yadav to Ponting, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

48.2 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, outside off, Ponting punches it to point

48.1 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, a brute of a delivery, Ponting has a wry smile on his face, this one bounced from just short of length and pacy too, Ponting poked out at it but it misses the edge by a whisker

Umesh Yadav [10.0-2-59-2] is back into the attack

47.6 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, straighter in line, Ed Cowan pushes it down the track

47.4 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, on the middle and leg, Ed Cowan stays back and taps it to mid wicket

47.3 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, FOUR, pitched up, Ed Cowan opens his stance a bit and drives it nicely down the track, past mid off and to the boundary, top shot

47.2 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, tossed up and outside off, Ed Cowan comes on the frontfoot and defends it

47.1 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, given some air and well outside off, Ponting stretches out and taps it on the offside, Ed Cowan sprints across for the quick single, Dhoni went after it like a hre and got to it quickly but the throw was wayward

46.6 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and on the off again, Ed Cowan defends it once more

46.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted in and on the off now, Ed Cowan gets behind the line and blocks it solidly down the track

46.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, on the fuller side but well outside off again and Ed Cowan continues to leave

46.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, the short ball is wasted again by Ishant, way down the legside and not making Ed Cowan play

46.2 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, Ishant pitches it right up even as Ganguly was asking for it on air, right in the blockhole but manages to jam it out

46.1 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, too far outside off now from Ishant, left alone again by Ed Cowan

45.6 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, on the leg now, Ed Cowan turns it down to fine leg and retains the strike with that run

45.5 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, a touch fuller and outside off, Ed Cowan leans forward and defends it on the offside

45.4 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, turning across nicely, no shot offered by Ed Cowan

45.3 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, very flat and on the leg, Ponting turns it down to deep square leg for one

45.2 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, tossed up and outside off, Ponting lunges forward to block it nicely

45.1 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, flat and straight, Ponting taps it to mid wicket

44.6 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, an absolute peach from Ishant, beats Ed Cowan all ends up with one nipping away a touch off the track after angling it in from round the wicket, very close to the outside edge

44.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, outside off, Ed Cowan stays back and guides it to point

44.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, angled in again, Ed Cowan turns it to mid wicket now

44.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, Ed Cowan gets a leading edge now and it falls well wide of Ishant, was in the air for some time to keep Ishant interested, this one was slanting in and Ed Cowan is too early into the shot

44.2 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, banged in short by Ishant but a wasted one, too short and down the legside, Ed Cowan ducks under easily

44.1 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, just outside off, Ponting taps it in front of point and Ed Cowan pushes him for the quick single and they make it with ease, very good running

43.6 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, very similar to the previous delivery, solidly blocked once more

43.5 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, Ashwin pitches it on the leg from over the wicket, Ed Cowan gets his pads out of the line and blocks it well

43.4 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, nicely tossed up, Ponting gets down on one knee and sweeps it hard to deep square for one more

43.3 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, just outside off again and no turn this time, Ponting is happy to block once more

43.2 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, turning in from outside off, Ponting presses forward and taps it on the offside

43.1 Ashwin to Ponting, 2 runs, Ashwin goes down the legside now, Ponting sweeps it quite easily down to fine leg and ambles back for the second

42.6 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, nipping in just a touch from outside off, Ed Cowan leans forward and gets an inside edge onto his pads

42.4 Ishant to Ponting, no run, excellent delivery from Ishant, this one kicks up steeply from a good length and catches the handle of the bat and lobs off Ponting's shoulder just in front of a diving Gambhir at point, a close call and some encouragement for Ishant

42.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, 1 run, good length and on the off, Ed Cowan taps it between cover and point for a single and brings up his FIFTYon debut, has shown a lot of patience and composure and remains so after getting to the milestone

42.1 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, Ishant tries the yorker now but gets it all wrong, ends up as a low full toss on the pads and Ponting flicks it firmly to deep square for one, brings up the 100 run stand between the two

41.6 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, good turn away again for Ashwin but easily left alone by Ed Cowan

41.5 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, fuller and drifting onto the pads now, Ed Cowan turns it easily off his legs to deep square leg for a couple

41.4 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, pitching on middle and off and skidding on, Ed Cowan gets it in the inside half of the bat as he tries to defend

41.3 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, turning across Ed Cowan now, he leaves it watchfully

41.2 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, turning in, Ponting comes on the frontfoot and taps it past short leg for an easy single

41.1 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, this one goes straight on and outside off too, Ponting gets back and blocks it

40.6 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, Ponting taps it this one in front of mid wicket and calls for the quick single, Ed Cowan hesitated at first but Zak was too late to get to the ball, easily taken as a result

40.5 Ishant to Ponting, no run, very nice punch down the track from Ponting but Ishant does well to stick his right hand out to stop it

40.4 Ishant to Ponting, no run, too short outside off from Ishant, Ponting leans back and punches it straight to the fielder at point

40.3 Ishant to Ponting, no run, full and slanting in, Ponting turns it off his pads but finds mid on

40.2 Ishant to Ed Cowan, 1 run, slightly short of length and outside off, Ed Cowan stays in the crease and opens the face to guide it to deep backward point for just one

40.1 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up from round the wicket, Ed Cowan gets forward and punches it to mid off

39.6 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, varies his pace as he fires this in quicker, Ponting defends from the crease

39.5 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, well flighted on the off, Ponting gets forward and blocks

39.4 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, flighted delivery on the off, Ponting stays back and turns it to short leg

39.3 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, pushed through the air once again, Cowan works it from middle to square leg, collects one

39.2 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, much slower through the air and invites Cowan forward, he pushes it to point region

39.1 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, flat and quick down the leg, Cowan doesn't get bat on ball as he tries to glance

38.5 Ishant to Ponting, no run, back of a length and on the off, he goes back and blocks it to the off side

38.4 Ishant to Ponting, no run, a huge appeal for lbw, not given though. Ponting offers his pads and shoulders arms to one that nips in from outside off, but replays show that it didn't do enough to take the off stump. Good decision from Erasmus

38.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, 1 run, short of length and angled in, Cowan moves across and works it to square leg for one, Kohli was the fielder at mid wicket but the running between the wickets was good

Drinks are on the field now. India have been bowling too short in the post lunch session, and the batsmen (Ponting in particular) have punished them. Ponting has gone past his fifty, and Cowan looks set to join him soon. India need to strike and break this stand before it becomes too big.

37.6 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, lots of width outside off, continues to spin away as Cowan chases and drags it through covers, retains strike with one

37.5 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, much better and much more solid from the batsman this time, gets forward and defends with bat and pad close together

37.4 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, loopy delivery on the middle, Ed Cowan was not too comfortable in handling that but managed to defend

37.3 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, slow spin outside off, Ed Cowan steers it to short third man

37.2 Ashwin to Ponting, 3 runs, welcome back to form, Ricky Ponting! 59th FIFTYin Tests for the legend. Goes on his knees and slog-sweeps it to deep mid wicket, doesn't connect too well but manages to take 3. An excellent innings from Ponting so far, he needs to carry on

37.1 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, given air on the off stump line, Ponting goes back and blocks it

36.6 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, stump to stump stuff to end the over, Ponting moves to 49 with a flick to fine leg

36.5 Ishant to Ponting, no run, good length and on the off, Ponting gets forward and blocks

36.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, 1 run, and bowls a fullish one with the angle, Cowan helps it on its way to fine leg for a single

Ishant goes round the stumps

36.3 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, much much better length from Ishant, pitches it up and gets it to move in with the angle, Ponting was late in playing that but manages an inside edge towards square leg

36.2 Ishant to Ponting, FOUR, the lengths have been horrible post lunch. Short ball after short ball and Ponting has accepted all the gifts thrown at him. This time he goes back and punches wide of point for another boundary, excellent shot though it was a bad ball

36.1 Ishant to Ponting, no run, short and rising outside off, Ponting leaves it alone

Ishant is in fact on the field. And has the ball with him as well. Ishant v Ponting, but Ponting is the boss at the moment.

Ishant Sharma [8.0-3-19-0] is back into the attack

35.6 Ashwin to Ponting, 1 run, Ponting has been positive post lunch, goes on his knees and sweeps with the spin, takes it from outside off and hits it hard but straight to the fielder at deep square leg

35.5 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 3 runs, just a bit short from Ashwin, enough for Cowan to go back and cut to sweeper cover for 3

32.5 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, oohh..there comes the one that nips in. Pitches outside off again but moves in sharply, Cowan does well to spot it and leaves again. Very close to the off stump but he trusted the bounce

32.4 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, no movement this time, just goes straight with the line outside off, another one left alone

32.3 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, once again outside off, once again left alone. Is he setting him up for something? Expect one to move in sometime soon

32.2 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, good length again, but not much pace to trouble the batsman. Cowan has a careful look and shoulders arms outside off

32.1 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, full and just outside off, Ed Cowan shoulders arms

31.6 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, FOUR, uppish, but wide of the fielder! Well bowled actually, he slips in a quick and full one around middle and leg, Ponting almost falls over as he flicks this wide of the man at mid wicket. Risky, but well played in the end

31.5 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, good length delivery on middle, Ponting goes back and clips it to mid wicket

31.4 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, 1 run, pitches on length and skids on, Cowan gets an under edge off the pads to point, he is alert enough to spot an opportunity for a single

30.3 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, pushes it off the frontfoot past extra cover, he wants a single but mid off comes across quickly to prevent it

30.2 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, misses out on the pull this time. Short and straight from Zak, Ponting plays the pull a bit too early and gets hit high on the thighs, I was wondering why the Indians didn't appeal, and replays told me why. It hit the bat as well

30.1 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, good length and around off, Ponting comes on the frontfoot and defends

29.6 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, well bowled. A surprise yorker from Umesh, Cowan was late in getting his bat down but fortunately for him, it was just outside off, sneaked through the gate to Dhoni's hands

29.5 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, good shot, but just a couple. Pitches it up outside off, Cowan comes on the frontfoot and drives it through covers. Big ground, heavy outfield, just 2.

29.4 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, full and outside off, Cowan covers the line and leaves it

29.3 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length and around off, Cowan stays back and blocks it

Umesh goes round the wickets

29.2 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, FOUR, no stopping the Aussies this session! TO be fair, this was not a bad ball. Just a bit of width outside off and Cowan rocks back quickly to unleash a cut shot between point and gully

29.1 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, maintains it full and straight, Cowan gets forward and pushes it back to the bowler

28.6 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, 1 run, full and angled in, Cowan works it off his pads towards mid on, retains strike with one

28.5 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller and straighter, Cowan leans forward and defends it

28.4 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, close to the off stump this time, Cowan defends it towards covers. He has been extremely solid while defending today

27.4 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, FOUR, another boundary, and the 50 of the partnership is up. Short and wide outside off, Cowan goes hard and slashes it uppishly over backward point for four more. Sehwag did attempt for an overhead catch but he never had a chance there

27.3 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, FOUR, Cowan's turn to pull now! India have been bowling too short post lunch, and are getting the treatment from this batting pair. Yadav's attempted short one doesn't bounce much, allows Cowan to play a hard pull through deep mid wicket for four

27.2 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up but too wide outside off to interest the batsman, Cowan lets it go

27.1 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length and on the off, Ed Cowan stays back and defends solidly

26.6 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, full and outside off once again, Ponting shoulders arms

26.5 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, full and angled away outside off, Ponting plays away from the body and pushes it to the on side

26.4 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, well bowled, pitches in good areas on middle stump and nips in a touch, Ponting was in 2 minds whether to come forward or go back, ends up playing from the crease and gets hit on the thighs

26.3 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, another one in the good length area, Ponting leans forward to block

26.1 Zaheer to Ponting, FOUR, Ponting continues to play the pull shot to good effect, this was not too short but Ponting went back quickly and pulled uppishly to the vacant deep square leg area, dangerous signs for India

Zaheer Khan [9.0-3-21-0] is back into the attack

25.6 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 3 runs, more runs, short again but this one is outside off, Ponting stands tall and punches it wide of point, it slows up near the fence as Ishant gives chase to save 1

25.5 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, FOUR, you know Ponting is in form when he plays the pull shot like that! Umesh tries the short one but Ponting shows who the boss is - swivels quickly and pulls it hard wide of deep backward square leg for a boundary, positive start this by Australia post lunch

25.4 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, 1 run, holds back the length a bit, Cowan defends it softly to the off side and takes a sharp single, good batting this from the debutant

25.3 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, FOUR, shot! Shot of the day so far. It was a half volley, but he played it superbly, came forward and went on his knees, presented the full face of the bat and drove it between extra cover and mid off for a boundary. Always a beautiful sight - the cover drive

25.2 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, much closer to the off stump this time, Cowan shouts "no run" as he defends it to covers

25.1 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, starts with a loosener, full and wide outside off, Cowan lets it go

Umesh Yadav [6.0-2-25-2] is back into the attack

24.6 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, gives it air and bowls it fuller, Ponting defends to mid wicket

24.5 Ashwin to Ponting, FOUR, lots of turn but wrong line, spins sharply from middle to leg stump, Ponting swivels and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence, nice start for Ponting post lunch

24.4 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, flatter through the air, Ponting defends off the backfoot

24.3 Ashwin to Ponting, 2 runs, good loop again but it falls a touch short, Ponting has all the time in the world to go back and cut it square of the wicket, Kohli makes a diving half-stop at point and keeps it to 2

24.2 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, 1 run, slow turn from middle to off, Cowan works it off the backfoot to mid wicket region for a single

24.1 Ashwin to Ed Cowan, no run, from round the wickets and loopy around off, turns away a bit as Cowan leaves

23.6 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, bang on target first ball, pitches on length around middle and moves away a touch, but not much pace to trouble Ponting as he defends off the backfoot

8:18 AM: Err, in fact the players are already back on the field. Resumption is just around the corner. Ponting on strike, Zaheer with the ball. Play!

Some good news now: The covers are coming off as the rain has cleared. We should have some play soon. We hear that the play could start in 20 minutes, so expect a resumption at 8:30 AM IST.

Update after lunch: The rain hasn't stopped and we could be in for a delay. We will keep you posted.

Lots of umbrellas are up now in the crowd as the rain gets a tad heavier. It should be a rivetting second session. Do join us in a short while for that.

Rain has had the final say again. Ian Gould takes the players off. That could well be lunch as well. It started as a drizzle and progressively got heavier. In fact it is lunch as well. An even session that. Warner and Ed Cowan began well, but Warner and Marsh departed in quick succession. Ponting was given a rousing reception by the MCG crowd. He walked in and was immediately given a wakeup call by Umesh who hit him on the grill. Ponting looked nervous for a couple of overs before settling in. Ed Cowan has looked quite at home. Umesh has been the pick of the bowlers for India. Zak and Ishant have been steady.

23.5 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, the slower delivery - a cutter on off stump, Ponting lunges forward to defend

23.4 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, angling in, Ponting blocks off the backfoot

Round the wicket to Ponting. Only a couple of slips in place now.

23.3 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, 1 run, good communication from the two Tassies. Ed Cowan drops it in front of mid off. Ponting sees the chance and takes the quick single.

23.2 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, now defends towards cover. Takes a step out to look for the single. Not there

23.1 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length delivery on the stumps, Ed Cowan defends off the backfoot to mid on

22.6 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, too full on the stumps, dug out back to Ashwin

22.5 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, full outside off, driven to mid off

22.4 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, bounce and turn for Ashwin. Short leg could be in action. Ponting tried to defend and then saw that the ball was spinning back appreciably, he thrust his arms out and it hit him. Nowhere close to the bat or the glove. But encouraging signs for Ash

22.3 Ashwin to Ponting, no run, well tossed up outside off, Ponting gets a nice stride forward to block

20.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, good stop by Viru at gully. Dives to his right to cut it off. Ed Cowan opened the face and looked to guide it past the cordon, but Viru was sharp. Sachin Tendulkar pats him with a smile on his face

20.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, a nice stride forward and then defends a back of a length delivery on off stump

20.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length delivery on the hips, Ed Cowan nudges it to the right of MS. Ponting wants the single, Ed Cowan rightly sends him back

20.2 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, Ed Cowan is content in leaving balls which are even minutely outside off and he does the same again

20.1 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, sliding down leg and Ed Cowan falls over. A slight appeal for LBW, but that was clearly missing leg

19.6 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, Ponting lunges out to a length ball outside off and defends to the off side

19.5 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, this one pitches and straightens around off, Ponting blocks confidently

19.4 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, Zaheer changes to round the wicket and Ponting covers the line to defend an off stump ball

19.3 Zaheer to Ponting, FOUR, Imperious. Though Ponting slipped as he swivelled to pull backward of square. Not much pace on that short delivery and Ponting quickly latched on to pull it. Has a smile and a word with Ed Cowan. He looks at his shoe after he slipped.

19.2 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, Ponting comes on the frontfoot and pushes a full back to Zaheer. Got a nice stride forward and played that

19.1 Zaheer to Ponting, no run, Zaheer comes back in with 3 slips in place. On a back of a length on the stumps, Ponting stays in the crease and defends

18.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, Ed Cowan just about pushed his bat inside the line even as Ishant probes away around off. Came back in with the slight angle and was on a short of length. Ed Cowan quickly dragged his bat inside the line to leave it

18.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, back to leaving mode as Ishant pushes one across Ed Cowan

18.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, FOUR, nothing poor about that shot. Hint of Phil Hughes in that shot. Ed Cowan bending low on a bent knee and cover driving wonderfully all along the carpet beating the chasing fielders. Everything perfect about that shot

18.2 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, first time that Ed Cowan has sparred at one outside off and is beaten. Pushed away from the body and Ed Cowan played a poor shot

18.1 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, sharp single from Ponting and he gets off the firing line. Dabbed it wide of cover and called Ed Cowan through for the quick single

17.6 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, good stop by a diving Kohli at mid off. Saved some runs after Ed Cowan drove that beautifully off the frontfoot

17.5 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, Umesh Yadav now hits Ed Cowan. From round the wicket. The short delivery and Ed Cowan wasn't expecting it. Ed Cowan is in an awkward position and lets the ball hits him on the side of the shoulder. Ed Cowan was fending at it with the bat hanging like a periscope. Not a good way to play the short delivery

17.2 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 3 runs, Ponting gets the bat in front of the pad and doesn't fall over. Clips the middle stump delivery wide of mid on and takes an easy three. A confident looking shot

17.1 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, full and attacking the stumps, Ponting shuffles across and defends towards mid on

16.6 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up delivery outside off from round the wicket, Ed Cowan defends with an open face towards the off side

16.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, full and on off stump, Ed Cowan leans out to block

16.4 Ishant to Ponting, 1 run, full and on middle, Ponting pushes to mid on where Zak doesn't bend down and fumbles. Lets Ponting off strike. Ishant wouldn't be impressed

16.3 Ishant to Ponting, 2 runs, short delivery outside off, Ponting pulls instinctively and comes back for the 2nd as the ball goes to deep backward square

16.2 Ishant to Ponting, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Ponting defends solidly to cover

16.1 Ishant to Ponting, no run, the contest between Ishant and Ponting begins again. And what a first ball from Ishant. He can't seem to believe that he hasn't nailed Ponting. Ponting doesn't know anything about this. Short of a length and seamed back in to miss the bat and pad gap of Ponting. Ponting played outside the line of it and the ball sneaked through. No bat on that. Ishant has a wry smile even as Ponting walks away

15.6 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 1 run, the deep square leg has been sent back. Umesh Yadav is a clever customer. Bowls a full and inswinging delivery on the stumps, Ponting falls over and somehow turns this to leg. Nearly trods onto his stumps as he falls flat on the ground. Takes a single to retain strike. What an over. We had everything. Ponting clearly looks ruffled.

15.5 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, tries to leave a full one outside off and the ball hits the toe end of the bat. The ball bounces well in front of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Definite edge, but didn't carry.

15.4 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, 2 runs, is off the mark with a shuffle and a trademark clip from middle stump line to backward square leg

15.3 Umesh Yadav to Ponting, no run, Ponting is hit on the helmet. Good bowling from Umesh Yadav. Banged it in short outside off, Ponting's first instinct was to pull and he swivelled to do so. Didn't connect and the ball thudded into the side of the helmet. The ball nearly seemed to be carrying onto the stumps, but a twitchy Ponting kicks it away. He then walks nervously to Ed Cowan and has a word. The 'G' is suddenly buzzing and Umesh Yadav has smelt blood. Ponting looks very vulnerable.

15.1 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, out Caught by Virat Kohli!! Umesh is the man for India. Two wickets in two overs. Full and outside off, Shaun Marsh got forward to drive uppishly. He did so, but with an open face and the ball went low to point where Chirkut took it easily. Shaun Marsh sliced that and immediately knew he was gone. Celebrations from the Indian camp. Shaun Marsh c Virat Kohli b Umesh Yadav 0(6)

14.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, real good short delivery. Directed into the ribs and Ed Cowan gets inside the line to leave. He took the top hand out of the direction of the ball pretty quickly. Nice carry to Mahendra Singh Dhoni

14.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, another customary leave for Ed Cowan as the ball holds it's line outside off

14.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, Ishant goes round the wicket to change the angle. Full and outside off, Ed Cowan defends with an open face to backward point. Immediately shouts 'No' to his partner Shaun Marsh

Full marks to Umesh for that wicket of Warner. He pushed deep square leg back right after the drinks break and tempted Warner into the pull. It was bowled slightly down leg and Warner couldn't connect properly.

14.2 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, angled across Ed Cowan, he leaves again

14.1 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length delivery on middle and leg, Ed Cowan defends down the ground

13.6 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, fuller length delivery outside off, Shaun Marsh leaves even as the ball seams back in. Safely left in the end

13.4 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, much more confident backfoot defensive to backward point. Shaun Marsh getting back and across

13.3 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, again Shaun Marsh is in trouble. This short of length delivery seams back in, Shaun Marsh isn't sure whether to go forward or back, pokes awkwardly and the ball goes off the thigh pad to the slip region

13.2 Umesh Yadav to Shaun Marsh, no run, huge shout for LBW, but Shaun Marsh got well outside off to negate that. Big swing for Umesh Yadav, full and in-swinging, Shaun Marsh was hit on the pad, but he shuffled across well outside off to save his wicket

Shaun Marsh, left handed bat, comes to the crease

13.1 Umesh Yadav to Warner, out Caught by Dhoni!! The rain has got Warner out. Gloved to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. That slight rain break has helped India and hurt Warner. Short one down leg, Warner swivelled to pull, but this one had more pace and bounce, gloved the pull and MS went back to pouch a dolly. Important wicket for the Indians. They will be pepped up by the wicket. Warner c Dhoni b Umesh Yadav 37(49) [4s-4 6s-1]

Umesh Yadav to Warner, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Blimey! The rain has become a little heavier and the players are leaving the field. The covers are coming on. Wait. The rain has subsided. The umpires signal for the covers to be removed. Gambhir, Umesh and Ojha have a chat outside the boundary ropes. And the players are back on. A very short rain break.

12.6 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length delivery on the stumps, Ed Cowan is solid in defence

12.5 Ishant to Warner, 1 run, Warner hops back and closes the face of the bat to tuck wide of mid wicket. Brings Ed Cowan on strike.

12.4 Ishant to Warner, no run, full and on off, Warner pushes it with a full face back to Ishant

12.3 Ishant to Warner, no run, full and wide outside off, Warner can leave that and does so

12.2 Ishant to Warner, no run, awkwardly taps it back to Ishant. Warner looks edgy suddenly

12.1 Ishant to Warner, no run, Ishant comes back on and begins with a real pearler. How do you play those? Warner doesn't have any answer. It pitches on middle and then awkwardly moves away leaving Warner groping. That is almost McGrathesque from Ishant. That's how McGrath used to bowl to BCL. Too good to find the edge and Ishant knows it. Has a wry smile at Warner.

Ishant Sharma [3.0-1-10-0] is back into the attack

11.6 Umesh Yadav to Warner, 1 run, Umesh Yadav comes back well with a full and wide one outside off, that Warner nearly drags it back on. Pushed away from the body and the inside edge rolled wide of leg stump. Lucky run

11.5 Umesh Yadav to Warner, SIX, Take that Umesh Yadav says Warner. If you bowl short to me, you are going to be hit. Umesh Yadav drags this short outside off, Warner was into position very quickly and belted the pull into the stands at deep mid wicket. That is a huge boundary, but it carried easily over the ropes. That is a statement from Warner. What a fine player of the pull and the hook is this little fella. A pocket dynamite, if ever there was one.

11.4 Umesh Yadav to Warner, no run, Umesh Yadav changes the angle and goes round the wicket. No change in his bowling plan though - short and angling in, Warner goes on the backfoot and defends solidly

11.3 Umesh Yadav to Warner, FOUR, Whiplashed! Full and outside off, Warner leant forward and then allowed his strong forearms to come into play, before crunching it wide of mid off. Was in the air, but well wide of the man. That was really hit hard by Warner

11.2 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, 1 run, short of length delivery on off stump. Ed Cowan drops it in front of point and calls Warner through for the quick single. Easily done

11.1 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, FOUR, magnificent off drive. Too full from Umesh Yadav and Ed Cowan just drove handsomely wide of mid off. Pure timing and no power at all from Ed Cowan. This man looks in great touch.

10.6 Zaheer to Warner, no run, good ball again from Zaheer and that caught Warner on the crease. It nipped back in and struck Warner high on the pad. Was sliding down leg too. Maybe an inside edge onto the pads too. Need a replay to confirm whether there was an edge

10.5 Zaheer to Warner, no run, that is a good leave. Again Zaheer seaming the ball sharply back in and Warner thrusting his front pad to cover the line and then shouldering arms. That came back a long way and Dhoni dives to his right to take it well

10.4 Zaheer to Warner, no run, short of length delivery tucking up Warner as it comes back in. Warner awkwardly jabs to leg after hopping back

10.3 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Zaheer goes down leg and Warner cannot glance it fine. Mahendra Singh Dhoni moves to his right to collect

10.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, another leave from Warner as Zaheer goes full and wide outside off

10.1 Zaheer to Warner, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Warner defends to Kohli at point and refuses the single

9.6 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, Ed Cowan has been impeccable today in leaving deliveries. But this time, it is a serious misjudgment from him. Leaves a straight delivery which pitched on middle. The bounce saved him after it thudded into his pads. Clearly going over. Good bowling from Umesh Yadav.

9.5 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, full and on off stump, Ed Cowan comes on the frontfoot and blocks

9.4 Umesh Yadav to Warner, 1 run, good fielding by Gauti sliding to his right at mid off. It was punchily driven by Warner after getting forward

9.2 Umesh Yadav to Warner, 2 runs, whipped from off stump line wide of Ishant at mid on. Warner short arm jabbing a short of length delivery. He looks good.

9.1 Umesh Yadav to Warner, no run, pitches outside leg and raps Warner on the pads. Can't be given out LBW. Good pace from Umesh Yadav on that delivery. Hurried Warner into missing that

There is a bit of rain in the air, but it isn't threatening as of now.

8.6 Zaheer to Warner, leg byes, 1 run, off the thigh pad as Zaheer drifts down leg. They take a leg bye. Ian Gould does some theatrics after the ball goes near him after hitting the stumps at the strikers end

8.5 Zaheer to Warner, no run, seaming away from Warner, who leaves. Easy leave that for Warner

8.4 Zaheer to Warner, no run, full and on off stump, Warner gets a nice stride forward and his solid block finds mid off

8.3 Zaheer to Warner, no run, short of length delivery on the hips, Warner nudges it off his hips towards leg

8.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Warner gets back and across, before defending to point

8.1 Zaheer to Warner, no run, beaten. That is Zaheer's strength. Draws Warner into the forward defense and then moves the ball away just a fraction to beat the edge. That ball deserved a wicket. Zaheer can't quite believe how it missed the edge. Warner didn't know much about it

7.6 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, Umesh Yadav finishes his first over in Australia with a maiden. But it isn't a threatening one at all. Very routine stuff for Ed Cowan who lets it go

7.5 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length delivery and rising outside off, Ed Cowan has no trouble in letting it go

7.4 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, closer to off stump, still not close enough. Ed Cowan shoulders arms

7.3 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, way outside off, Mahendra Singh Dhoni scoops it on the bounce

7.2 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, a hint of in-swing. Good ball. Seamed in from outside off. Ed Cowan looks a terrific leaver outside off and he again is patient

7.1 Umesh Yadav to Ed Cowan, no run, Umesh Yadav comes on and his first ball in Australia is a short of length delivery outside off. Ed Cowan leaves easily. Just about carried to Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Umesh Yadav, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

6.6 Zaheer to Warner, no run, nearly squared up Warner. Full and on middle, Warner was shaping to flick, realised that was not the shot to play, then softly defended towards cover. Warner made sure that he didn't close the face of the bat too early.

6.5 Zaheer to Warner, 2 runs, a much more confident punch wide of Kohli at point. To the left of him as well and though he slides and throws, the batsmen have run two by that time

6.4 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Gets a nice stride forward and eases a drive, but mid on goes to his right to prevent any runs

6.3 Zaheer to Warner, 2 runs, that is an awkward shot. Back of a length outside off, Warner tried to punch on the up and ended up checking his shot. The ball went wide of cover. Only a couple as it was mistimed

6.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Zaheer tempts Warner with another of those full away swingers. Warner leaves this time

6.1 Zaheer to Warner, FOUR, Bang! Warner is standing well outside his crease and he muscles this on the rise. It was full and wide outside off, Warner thumped that and the ball screamed away to the fence.

5.6 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length delivery on the body, Ed Cowan blocks confidently down the track

5.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, full on off stump, Ed Cowan gets forward to drive, but can't beat mid off

5.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, how close to off stump is that? Ed Cowan left a ball trusting that it would slant across him, but it held it's line and went periliously close to his off stump. The extra bounce missing the pole and going over. Lots of chirp from the Indians behind the wicket after that close shave

5.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, this is much closer to off stump. Good bounce as well, but Ed Cowan knows where his off stump is and shoulders arms

4.5 Zaheer to Warner, no run, pitched up outside off, driven straight to the fielder at mid off

4.4 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Ooh! That is a very brave leave. Nearly shaved the off stump. Again the in-swinger and Warner thrust his front pad out to cover the line. The ball kept on coming in and in eventually went past off stump. Wouldn't have looked a brave leave if that had clattered onto the stumps

4.3 Zaheer to Warner, no run, that's the class of Zaheer. He is setting up Warner slowly, but surely. Zaheer brings this one sharply from outside off, but Warner had the line covered and somehow managed to turn it to leg with a closed face

4.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, good leave. Zaheer is testing Warner with away swingers and Warner responds well by shouldering arms

4.1 Zaheer to Warner, 2 runs, that is just a defensive push. Fuller and outside off, Warner pushed it past mid off and takes an easy couple

3.6 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, slips one down leg and that is a wasted delivery

3.5 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, that is a solid drive back down the wicket. Full and on the stumps, Ed Cowan shows the full face of the bat to ping Ishant on his follow-through

3.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, angled across Ed Cowan on a fuller length outside off, he leaves

3.3 Ishant to Warner, 3 runs, nice looking off drive from Warner. It was slanted across him and he moved towards the ball to drive well down the ground. Mid off ran back and kept it to 3.

3.2 Ishant to Warner, no run, solid backfoot defensive to a short of length delivery on off stump

3.1 Ishant to Ed Cowan, 1 run, tucked off the pads to fine leg

Some saw dust are being applied on the side wickets. A slight delay, but we are ready to play again.

2.6 Zaheer to Warner, no run, that seemed like Warner was beaten, but that swung too much. Fuller and outside off, drew Warner into the forward defensive and then moved away off the seam to miss the edge. Too much movement. Still a fab over from Zaheer

2.5 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Zaheer pulls the length back and forces an injudicious shot from Warner. Short of a length and moving away, Warner flays at it without any feet and the ball beats the bat

2.4 Zaheer to Warner, FOUR, confident stroke. Full and wide outside off, Warner leant forward and opened the face to square drive wide of point. The man gave chase, but it ran away, beating his slide. Even though it was a huge boundary, the ball won the race.

2.3 Zaheer to Warner, no run, full and on the pads, Warner nearly falls over, but flicks it to mid wicket. Zaheer is in business.

2.2 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Brute. Zaheer and Mahendra Singh Dhoni thought that they had their man. Top decision from Erasmus. Warner falling over as he tried to drive. The ball again seamed away from his bat and took the thin pad on the way. Hot Spot showed that the bat was hitting the pad. Erasmus makes a fine call

2.1 Zaheer to Warner, no run, Peach! Warner is comprehensively beaten. This one pitches short of the driving length and then seams away, Warner is neither forward nor back and is lucky he didn't edge it.

1.6 Ishant to Warner, 1 run, again Warner is hanging on the backfoot and is expecting the short one. This is fuller and on off, the thick inside half goes to fine leg. Warner settles for the single

1.5 Ishant to Warner, FOUR, Close! Warner almost dragged it back on. He was late on the defensive shot. Played at one outside off and the pace of Ishant taking the inside edge, but missing the stumps. Beating Mahendra Singh Dhoni easily. First boundary, but very streaky

1.4 Ishant to Ed Cowan, 1 run, pushed in front of mid on and that is the first run for Ed Cowan in test cricket. Will make him feel much better. Goes to the non-strikers end and has a smile. First runs off the bat too

1.3 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, that is a brave leave. Ishant goes full and slants it across Ed Cowan. He shouldered arms and the ball brushed his pad before going through to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ishant and Dhoni went up for a LBW, but that was clearly missing off.

1.2 Ishant to Ed Cowan, no run, Ishant bustles in and hits Ed Cowan on the thigh pad. The bounce taking it over the stumps. Pitched outside leg and cramped Ed Cowan for room. He couldn't get his bat down in time to play the defensive shot. Oohs and aahs from the Indians

1.1 Ishant to Warner, leg byes, 1 run, first runs for Australia. But off the pad. Down leg and Warner couldn't get any bat on the attempted tickle

0.6 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, Zaheer begins with a maiden. And a probing one too. Full and on middle and leg, Ed Cowan pushes it with a full face of the bat down to mid on.

0.5 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, the first loose ball. Full and way outside off, Ed Cowan easily leaves

0.4 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, Zaheer is hitting good lines straight-away. This one is outside off. That tempting length as well - fuller and leaving Ed Cowan, who bravely resists. Good leave

0.3 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, that cut back in from a back of a length and hits Ed Cowan on the abdomen region. He was surprised by the late seam movement and was clearly late as he hopped back to defend

0.2 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, action replay of the previous delivery. Similar line, similar length. Similar result. Left alone

0.1 Zaheer to Ed Cowan, no run, Zaheer ambles in and bowls a lovely away swinger, it swung away, Ed Cowan shoulders arms. Thought about playing that, but decided to leave it

We are all ready to start. The crowd are slowly trickling in. Zaheer has the nee ball. A new hairstyle to go with as Sachin Tendulkar and VVS stand in the slips. Let the game begin.

Ed Cowan and Warner are at the crease. Ed Cowan is on strike. Zaheer will open the attack

So a brave decision by the Aussies to bat first on a green wicket. Will the move backfire? We will know soon. The pitch report is done by Shaz and Waz. Here is what they have to say: Lot of grass on it, but nicely rolled in. The ball will deck around. Under overcast conditions it will seam and swing for sure. 'Right areas' and all that familiar cliches from the duo.

Strike out the previous post. It is getting brighter by the minute. The toss may happen on time. The players are out there warming up. So that is very encouraging news.

Some bad news before the toss: There is a bit of rain in the air. We might be in for a delay.

Rewind to the Boxing Day test of 2010: After being inserted in cloudy and perfect conditions for swing bowling, Australia were bowled out for 98 as Anderson, Tremlett and Bresnan ruthlessly exposed the Aussies' vulnerability against quality seam and swing bowling. That day the Ashes was lost as England rammed home the advantage. If the conditions today are similar to last year, then the toss will play a major role. Do stay tuned for the toss and the teams which will happen in a bit.

Zak the key: A lot will depend on Zaheer Khan. Lest you not forget - Zaheer has failed to last a whole tour of Australia the previous two times in 2003 and 2007. In 2003 he broke down during the Brisbane Test, missed the second one, played the third, though it later emerged that he was not fully fit, and returned home, while in 2007 after taking 5 wickets at MCG in the Boxing day Test, he hurt his left heel during practice before the Sydney and flew home. India don't want to see a repeat of that. For India to have any chance of beating Australia, the fitness of Zaheer is paramount. He now looks lean, trim and has lost all his unwanted fat since the last time one saw him in England.

Only 3 members of that Aussie side survive to this day. While India have the core of their middle order intact. Australia are no longer the dominant force they once were. They are easily fallible and that presents India with their best chance to win a series in Australia for the first time ever. It will also be in all probability the final series in Australia for India's golden generation of Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman. How dearly would they love to return home with a series win under their belt.

It is 3:16 AM in India as I type this. The street dogs were fast asleep oblivious to my walk to the office. It is Boxing Day in Australia. What does this all signify? It means only one thing. It is Australia vs India time again. The contest that stirred the entire cricketing world over the past decade is here upon us one more time. India vs Australia has always produced magical cricket. There hasn't been a single boring series between the two sides since 2001. Will this series follow the old pattern? If it does, then our lives would be all the more enriched. Hello and a warm welcome to the opening Test between Australia and India at the MCG. A packed crowd is expected at this colosseum of a venue. It will certainly intimidate a few men that's for sure.

by Saurabh Somani

There's nothing quite like India-Australia to get the Test cricket adrenaline pumping once again. India-South Africa and Australia-South Africa have had many memorable Tests. India and England should have been a memorable series, South Africa and England too have had nail-biters galore, while Australia and England have the Ashes of course. But from 1998 onwards, when the Tendulkar vs Warne battle took on mythic proportions, no other two teams have delivered as consistently on drama, quality (batting and bowling) and competitiveness than India and Australia.

The Teams:

Both teams face a selection dilemma of sorts, and though educated guesses can be made at the final eleven for both, there's scope for a left-field pick or two. India's top 5 is set in stone with Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman. The sixth spot should go to Virat Kohli in all probability, but Rohit Sharma's natural talent allied with a new found focus and his previous success in ODIs in Australia mean that Kohli's selection is far from clear-cut. There are merits and demerits to including/excluding both Kohli and Rohit. If fit, the four bowlers should be Zaheer Khan, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and R Ashwin. The key word is 'if fit'. The Indian team management has been very close-mouthed about the status of both Zaheer and Ishant injury-wise, and there have been more than a few doubts raised on whether the pair will play, or will last 5 days.

Australia don't have the mystery fitness worries India do, but their selection dilemma is in a way more fundamental. It is simply that of 'who to select?' They have decided to go in for the experience of Ben Hilfenhaus over Mitchell Starc. Also not playing, will be all-rounder Daniel Christian. Not picking Christian is, in a way, a positive move, since Australia are going for four pure bowlers who can take 20 wickets for them. But the reason Christian was thought of as a possible starter is that Ricky Ponting in particular and Michael Hussey to a lesser extent, have not got the runs that they are expected to. Picking Christian would have been a way to bolster a fragile batting order, but would have weakened the bowling. The onus is now on Ponting to deliver.

The History:

The build-up to this series might have been as intense as ever on the field and in the minds of the players, but there's something missing. It's almost as if the Australians have been too welcoming to India with none of the familiar needling or the all pervasive white-wash predictions. That is of course due to the fact that a.) Glenn McGrath has retired and b.) Arising from (a), Australia haven't quite got the fire-power that would make a white-wash threat a legitimate one. There's little doubt though, that there will be plenty of needle, of drama and of fight once the matches start. It's India versus Australia after all.

There's also the matter of both teams recent histories. Until the England tour, India managed to shrug off poor starts and play well for much of their recent history. In the light of England though, a good start is not only important it is critical. For Australia, who have seen their worldwide hegemony break bit by bit, a loss will confirm that they can longer sit with the big boys on a consistent basis in world cricket - at least not for the time being. And the Aussies' legendary pride in the Baggy Green will mean that is a situation to abhor.

There is the equally weighty matter of India never having won a series in Australia with this being the last chance for Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman to put that right. Two of the golden generation - Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble - have already gone without that particular box ticked.

The Conditions:

The wicket is likely to be a typical MCG wicket - with early life for pacers and runs for the batsmen prepared to wait it out a little (Sehwag is, obviously, an exception to the 'wait it out' rule). The worrying bit is that there are thunderstorms forecast for the first day of the Test, but the good news is that the next four days should be relatively rain-free.